415 


THE 


RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS: 


OR,     THE 


BRIGANDS  OF  MEXICO 

^  Sole  of 

SANTA  ANNA  AND  HIS  TIM 

^r; 


AUTHOR  OF  '  THE  BURGLARS,'  'BELLE  OF  BOSTON,'  'Nuw  OF  ST. 
URSULA,'  ETC. 


BOSTON: 

GLEASON'S  PUBLISHING  HALL,  1  1-2  TREMONT  ROW. 

1845. 


E  Uared  according  to  Act  of  <5nn»res«,  in  the  Year  1845,  by  F  OUeason,in  the  Clerk'i  Of- 
fic«  of  the  District  Court  of  Massachusetts. 


§)ITffV  ffft 
dliil 


icrofl  Ubwy 

. 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 


CHAPTER  I. 


MEXICAN  EVENTS.  A  DEEP  BARRANCA.  OUR  HERO  IN  DISGUISE.  AT 
TACK  AND  CONFUSION  OF  THE  ROBBERS.  CAVALIERS  OF  NUNEZ.  THE 
BANDITTI.  THE  FRIENDLY  ENCOUNTER. 


MEXICO — the  land  of  revolutions,  as  it  may  be  justly  termed — has,  ever 
since  its  invasion  by  the  hardy  Spaniards,  presented  a  more  prolific  field 
for  writers  of  fiction  than  perhaps  any  other  country  on  the  globe  ;  and 
for  abundance  of  materiel  the  romancer  need  not  go  back  to  the  days  of 
Montezurna  and  Cortez,  or  even  to  the  era  of  the  extinction  of  the  Span 
ish  dominion,  but  merely  turn  to  events  which  have  transpired  within  his 
own  memory — to  the  seven  revolutions  which  have  succeeded  each  other 
in  rapid  succession  since  eighteen  hundred  and  twenty  one,  and  which  the 
novelist  has  left  almost  untouched.  The  colossal  and  romantic  grandeur  of 
the  scenery  of  the  country — the  peculiar  character  of  its  people— the  mag 
nificence  and  wealth  of  its  cities — the  lawless  bands  of  free  rovers  who  in 
fest  its  forests  and  mountains — all  combine  to  throw  a  sort  of  enchantment 
over  it,  to  the  minds  of  those  who  are  conversant  with  the  history  of  the 
El  Dorado  of  the  New  World. 

The  prominent  events  of  the  few  past  years  lend  an  additional  interest 
to  this  ill-fated  country;  events  which  have  been  characterized  by  as  bloody 
and  cruel  deeds  as  ever  blackened  the  pages  of  Mexican  or  Spanish  history. 
We  need  but  refer  to  the  grito  dt  libertad  of  Santa  Anna  and  Victoria  in 
eighteen  hundred  arid  twenty  two,  or  to  the  horrible  scenes  of  the  Jlcordada 
gix  years  subsequent,  or  to  the  three  revolts  of  a  later  date ;  and  in  a  year 


6  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

or  two  more,  another  undoubtedly  will  be  recorded  ;  and  thus  will  it  con 
tinue  until  a  Napoleon  or  an  Alexander  rises  up  and  assumes  absolute  pow 
er.  At  every  change  of  government  it  becomes  necessary  for  hundreds  of 
officers  and  soldiers,  who  are  attached  to  the  defeated  party,  to  flee  from  the 
tyranny  of  those  in  power,  and  to  seek  refuge  in  the  mountains  and  forests, 
where  they  organize  themselves  into  banditti,  and  become  a  terror  to  all 
travellers.  In  some  instances  they  have  even  been  known  to  be  allied  with 
some  of  the  officers  of  state,  and  thus  are  ena  bled  to  rob  and  even  murder 
with,impunity  by  day  as  well  as  by  night. 

The  scene  of  the  introductory  incident  to  our  tale  lies  at  the  foot  of  Mount 
Orizava,  or  the  Star-Mountain  as  it  is  frequently  called.  A  deep  ravine, 
dark  and  dreary,  through  which  the  road  is  cut,  has  to  be  passed  before  the 
ascent  to  the  mountain-gorge.  On  one  side  inaccessible  cliffs  rear  their 
rugged  heads,  while  on  the  other  a  dense  forest  of  lofty  pines  spread  their 
branches  to  the  sky.  It  is,  indeed,  a  gloomy  place,  and  the  many  rude  cros 
ses  placed  upon  each  side  of  the  road,  tell  tales  of  horrible  and  murderous 
scenes  which  have  here  been  enacted,  and  by  travellers  it  is  considered  the 
most  dangerous  point  to  be  passed  on  the  whole  route  from  V*?ra  Cruz  to 
the  capital. 

The  sun  had  receded  about  two  hours  from  the  meridian  on  a  fine  clear 
day  in  mid-summer,  and  illumining  with  her  bright  gleams  the  snowy  peaks 
which  rise  up  in  towering  grandeur  and  sublimity  at  every  view,  as  a  single 
horseman  mounted  upon  a  large  raw-boned  lookirg  steed,  was  wending  his 
way  leisurely  and  unconcernedly  through  the  fearful  ravine  already  alluded 
to.  A  coarse  Mexican  chaqueta  hung  loosely  over  his  shoulder,  and  his  legs 
were  encased  in  a  ragged  pair  of  calzoneras,  while  upon  his  head  he  wore  an 
old  gacho  or  sombrero,  which  our  fashionable  hatters  would  have  pronoun 
ced  'shocking bad,'  could  it  have  passed  under  their  inspection.  He  look 
ed  a  veritable  beggar  upon  a  stolen  horse.  He  had  proceeded  but  a  few 
rods  through  the  ravine,  when  he  dropped  the  bridle  upon  the  horse's  neck 
and  took  from  the  holsters  of  his  saddle  a  pair  of  silver  mounted  pistols, 
which  he  inspected  carefully  and  replaced  them.  From  under  his  chaque 
ta  he  drew  forth  a  long  double-edged  sharp-pointed  mahaja  and  thrust  it  in 
to  a  leathern  girdle  that  was  buckled  around  his  waist.  This  precaution 
being  taken  he  drew  in  the  reins  of  his  steed,  arid  his  uncouth  beast  started 
off  with  an  ambling  pace  that  would  have  excited  the  commiseration  of  any 
piece  of  horse-flesh  that  could  have  been  produced.  He  had  reached  an 
abrupt  turning  point  in  the  road,  when  a  couple  of  dark  fierce-looking  ban 
dits,  mounted  upon  high-mettled  steeds,  suddenly  darted  from  the  wood, 
and  seizing  the  bridle  of  his  horse,  commanded  him  to  dismount. 

'Who  so  bold  as  to  molest  a  peaceful  traveller?  demanded  the  stranger 
in  an  undaunted  tone  and  manner,  drawing  his  pistols. 

*  Dismount  caballero !'  said  one  of  the  robbers.  '  You  have  gold,  not 
withstanding  your  ragged  attire.  But  methinks  you  wear  a  better  inside, 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  7 

for  no  beggar  could  sport  a  pair  of  richly  mounted  pistols  like  unto  those 
you  hold  in  your  hands.' 

'  Who  art  thou  ?' 

'  Come,  Senor,  your  gold !     We  would  not  harm  you !' 

*  Again  I  ask,  who  dare  obstruct  my  path  ?'  said  the  stranger  resolutely. 

'  The  followers  of  Don  Manuel  Manrique  !'  returned  one  of  the  robbers, 
as  if  he  expected  that  the  name  of  the  Brigand  Chief  would  strike  the  trav 
eller  with  awe !' 

4  Ay!  Don  Manuel  Manrique!'  reiterated  the  stranger.  'The  famed  Ban 
dit  of  the  Black  Forest !  The  terror  of  the  whole  valley  of  Mexico  !  I've 
heard  much  of  this  celebrated  robber!  But  I  fear  him  as  little  as  I  do  his 
unscrupulous  lieutenant,  Jose  Garcilazo!' 

*  Sante  Maria  !     The  fellow  knows  you,  Garcilazo  !'  said  his  comrade. 
'Si,  my  fine  lads,  but  no  better  than  I  know  Ricardo  De  Vega,  the  boldest 

ladrone  in  the  region  of  Orizava  and  the  Coffre  de  Perote!'  added  the  trav 
eller. 

The  Brigands  seemed  staggered  on  hearing  their  names  announced  by 
the  fearless  stranger.  They  receded  a  few  steps  backward  and  assumed  a 
more  respectful  bearing. 

'  May  I  ask  your  name  ?'  said  Garcilazo. 

'  Alvorado  Nunez !' 

*  Alvorado  Nunez  !'  reiterated  both  of  the  bandits,  at  the  same  time  touch 
ing  their  g&chos  with  profound  respect. 

'  Colonel  Nunez  here  ?  and  in  so  mean  a  disguise  ?'  resumed  Garcilazo. 
4  We  heard  but  two  days  ago  you  and  your  force  entered  the  city  of  Gaute- 
mala  with  the  brave  Carrera,  after  a  successful  campaign  against  Morazari ! 

'True!  but  my  movements  it  is  known  are  somewhat  expeditious! — 
Tell  me,  Garcilazo,  does  Manrique  and  his  troop  of  Bandits  now  occupy 
the  Black  Forest  ?' 

'  Si,  Senor,  and  he  will  give  his  gallant  cousin  a  cordial  welcome. 

'  Where  are  your  brave  cavaliers,  Colonel?'  asked  Ricardo  De  Vega. 

'  You  shall  see !'  replied  Nunez,  and  applying  a  post  horn  to  his  lips,  he 
blew  a  signal  blast,  which  was  answered  from  the  farther  end  of  the 
barranca,  and  soon  a  company  of  cavalry,  consisting  of  one  hundred  men, 
well  mounted,  suddenly  issued  from  the  forest,  and  came  galloping  at  full 
speed  towards  their  heroic  leader. 

'By  San  Pedr.\>!  a  noble  looKing  troop  !' exclaimed  Garcilazo. 

'The  most  formidable  company  of  horse  in  all  Mexico!'  rejoined  De  Vega. 

The  robbers  spake  truly ;  for  the  whole  force  of  the  Republic  could  not 
boast  of  a  nobler  or  a  better  disciplined  corps  of  cavaliers.  It  was  composed 
of  young  and  gallant  fellows,  most  of  whom  were  allied  to  the  best  fami 
lies  of  Mexico,  and  who,  having  opposed  the  pronunciadors,  or  revolutioni 
zes,  and  adhered  to  the  unforturtate  Bustamente,  were  either  banished  or 
fled  for  safety  on  Santa  Anna's  coming  into  power.  Their  chosen  leader, 
Alvorado  Nunez,  was  a  Colonel  in  the  army  of  Bustamente,  and  accompan- 

\ 


8  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

ied  the  deposed  President  to  Spain,  where  many  noble  Mexicans  with  him 
sought  refuge.  Here  was  suggested  and  planned  the  organized  force  we 
have  brought  so  suddenly  before  the  reader.  Before  leaving  Spain  they 
supplied  themselves  with  cavalry  uniforms  and  equipments,  which  they  con 
veyed  secretly  to  the  mountain  retreats  of  Mexico,  where  they  were  thor 
oughly  disciplined  by  Alvorado  Nunez.  In  this  romantic  region  of  coun 
try  they  resolved  to  roam,  and  intercept  the  government  treasures  which 
might  fall  in  their  way  between  the  coast  and  the  capital,  until  they  might 
co-operate  with  any  new  pronunciadors  to  overthrow  the  usurper.  Although 
some  of  the  corps  occasionally  levied  contributions  on  travellers,  yet  such 
conduct  met  the  decided  reprehension  of  their  chief.  Manrique,  not 
liking  to  be  confined  to  the  fastidious  notions  of  his  superior  officer,  with 
drew  from  him  and  formed  a  company  which  he  styled  the  Independent 
Rovers,  and  whose  deeds  on  the  highway  were  of  a  most  atrocious  charae- 
ter.  Nunez,  fearing  that  these  acts  of  his  cousin  might  be  attributed  to 
him,  resolved  to  abandon  that  section  of  country.  Accordingly  he  made 
overtures  to  General  Carrera,  the  renowned  Gautemalian  patriot,  and  with 
his  cavaliers  united  himself  with  the  undisciplined  followers  of  this  sue- 
ce'ssful  leader.  Manrique  and  Nunez  had  parted  on  seemingly  friendly 
terms,  and  up  to  this  time  had  not  met  for  more  than  a  year. 

The  cavaliers  of  Nunez  were  now  paraded  in  a  line  extending  nearly  hah' 
the  distance  of  the  barranca,  and  they  presented  not.  only  a  formidable  but 
a  beautiful  and  orderly  appearance.  They  were  mounted  on  white  steeds, 
neatly  and  even  richly  caparisoned.  Their  chaquetas  were  of  green  velvet, 
embroidered  with  silver  thread  and  striped  with  silver  lace,  with  rows  ol 
bell  buttons,  of  the  same  metal,  placed  closely  together;  the  breeches 
were  of  black  velvet,  striped  with  gold  lace.  Their  caps,  also,  were  of  vel 
vet,  with  a  gold  band,  and  tassels  of  bullion  extending  nearly  to  the  left 
shoulder.  A  scarlet  sash  and  leathern  belt  were  fastened  around  the  waist, 
to  which  were  appended  Spanish  swords  and  carved-handle  mahajas.  Light 
carbines  were  swung  to  their  backs,  and  the  holsters  of  their  saddles  were 
fully  supplied  with  pistols.  Indeed,  no  corps  of  light  cavalry  had  ever  been 
seen  in  Mexico  that  would  favorably  compare  with  them  since  the  country 
was  hailed  as  a  republic. 

'Now,  Senors  Garcilazo  and  De  Vega,'  who  were  gazing  with  admira 
tion  on  the  cavalcade  before  them,  'I  would  see  your  chief.' 

'Si,  Colonel,'  replied  Garcilazo.  'You  have  but  to  follow  me  at  a  quick 
pace  for  half  an  hour.  I  fear  our  cavalry  will  make  a  sorry  appearance  in 
contrast  with  yours;  but  our  quarters  are  well  supplied  with  solid  cornforte 
and  you  and  your  troop  will  be  cordially  welcomed.  These  things  wiJ) 
doubtless  recompense  for  a  more  favorable  outside  show.' 

'Thy  words  promise  well.     Lead  the  way.' 

Nunez  now  ordered  his  men  to  wheel  into  platoons ;  in  another  moment 
they  were  galloping  at  an  easy  pace  along  the  winding  ascent  to  the  moun 
tain,  and  having  reached  a  mule  path  which  led  to  the  right  through  the 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  9 

thick  forest,  they  halted.  Here  Garcilazo  gave  a  shrill  whistle  with  a  silver 
tube  attached  to  a  riding  whip,  which  in  a  lew  moments  was  answered 
faintly  in  the  distance.  At  length  the  heavy  tramp  of  horses  was  distinctly 
heard,  and  a  company  of  banditti,  numbering  four  score,  emerged  one  by 
one  from  the  wood,  and  arranged  themselves  in  the  road  above  at  the  dis-* 
tunce  of  a  hundred  rods. 

Garcilazo  and  De  Vega  spurred  their  horses  up  the  ascent,  where  the 
bandits  had  assembled,  and  after  a  brief  consultation  with  their  chief,  they 
wheeled  their  horses,  and,  followed  by  the  whole  company,  rode  slowly  to 
wards  the  cavaliers  of  Nunez,  who  received  them  with  a  courteous  salute. 
As  Garcilazo  had  intimated  they  did  not  contrast  very  favorably  with  the 
well  accoutered  cavaliers  before  them.  Don  Manuel's  men  were  oddly  if 
not  fantastically  apparelled.  There  were  no  dresses  in  the  corps  that  bore 
any  resemblance,  either  as  to  fashion  or  fabric,  one  with  another.  It  seemed 
as  if  each  man  had  attired  himself  to  suit  his  own  convenience  or  taste; 
and  to  give  an  adequate  idea  of  the  whole  would  require  a  minute  and  sep 
arate  description  of  each  bandit.  Generally,  their  dresses  were  exceeding 
ly  gaudy,  and  a  collection  of  the  whole  might  have  formed  an  extensive  and 
magnificent  theatrical  wardrobe.  One  sported  the  costume  of  a  Spanish  cav 
alier  ;  another  appeared  as  a  Mexican  general ;  a  third  as  an  arriero  ;  a  fourth 
as  a  Brigand  of  the  Appenines ;  a  fifth  as  a  Camanche  chief;  a  sixth  as  a  Rus 
sian  cossack ;  a  seventh  as  a  French  cuirassier;  and  indeed,  all  might  be 
distinguished  by  some  fashion  of  dress  peculiar  to  nearly  every  nation  OB 
the  globe.  They  were  as  motley  a  looking  crew  as  ever  passed  in  review — 
the  'Ancient  and  Honorable  Artillery,'  the  army  of  Bombastes,  or  the  rag 
ged  regiment  of  Falstaff  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding. 

Before  the  banditti  arrived.  Nunez  divested  himself  of  his  disguise,  and 
was  now  mounted  upon  a  noble  looking  and  high-mettled  charger,  of  a 
cream-color,  contrasting  oddly  with  the  insignificant  beast  from  which  h« 
had  just  dismounted.  The  cavalier  leader  wore  the  uniform  of  his  corps, 
with  the  addition  of  silver  epaulettes,  and  a  helmet  cap  with  ostrich  plumes. 
He  was  dignified,  noble  and  commanding  in  appearance,  although  scarcely 
twenty-three  years  of  age.  His  hair  was  black  as  the  raven's,  but  fine  and 
glossy,  and  it  curled  luxuriantly  from  beneath  his  cap  and  even  rested  upon 
his  shoulders.  His  eyes  were  dark  and  large  and  quick-sighted  as  the  an 
telope's,  yet  the  expression  of  his  face  was  mild,  ingenuous  and  magnani 
mous.  His  sun-browned  cheeks  told  of  exposure  to  the  torrid  sun,  while  a 
scar  upon  his  prominent  forehead  indicattd  that  he  had  passed  through 
.scones  of  danger. 

Manrique  was  a  tall,  powerfully-framed  man,  some  five  years  older 
than  his  cousin,  with  small  black  penetrating  eyes,  shaggy  eyebrows,  COTB- 
pressed  lips,  and  long  straight  hair.  His  countenance  wore  a  sinister  ex 
j»ression,  although  it  indicated  resolution  and  courage.  His  dress  was  pure 
ly  that  of  a  Brigand — black  velvet  embroidered  chaqueta,  yellow  safi* 
waistcoat  spangled  with  silver  ;  silk  breeches,  fastened  at  the  knee  with  rib- 


10  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

bons ;  and  on  his  ruffled  shirt  bosom  was  displayed  a  diamond  brooch,\vhile 
his  fingers  sparkled  with  jewelled  rings  of  great  value.  His  brigand  hat 
was  also  enriched  with  a  cluster  of  precious  stones,  forming  the  socket  of 
a  single  eagle's  feather,  which  towered  gracefully  above  his  head.  A  wide 
black  leather  belt  encompassed  his  waist,  fastened  in  front  by  a  huge  silver 
buckle,  from  which  hung  a  rapier  and  a  gold-mounted  stilletto.  As  he  ap 
proached  Alvorado  Nunez  he  assumed  a  complacent  look,  and  a  forced 
smile  lingered  upon  his  inauspicious  features. 

4  Buen  vtnido  !  Welcome !  cousin  Nunez,'  said  Manrique  as  he  halted. 

* Muchas gracias !  many  thanks!'  replied  Nunez. 

*  You  have  fared  well,  my  gallant  cousin  ;  your  ranks  are  full ;  your  mew 
well  armed  and  well  equipped.  The  account  of  your  success  in  Gautemala 
has  already  reached  us,'  said  the  bandit  chief  as  he  glanced  his  eye  along 
the  column  of  cavaliers. 

'That  we  have  rendered  some  assistance  to  the  patriot  Carrera,  I  do  not 
doubt.  Would  that  we  might  do  something  towards  freeing  our  own  un 
happy  country  from  a  despot's  sway.  But  how's  this,  Manrique  ?  Your  fol 
lowers  look  as  if  they  had  been  collected  from  the  four  quarters  of  the 
globe !'  said  Nunez,  slightly  ironical. 

4  You  are  aware  that  we  style  ourselves  the  Independent  Rovers,  and  ev 
ery  man  accouters  himself  in  accordance  with  his  taste  and  independence. 
Yet  we  live  in  great  harmony,  and  the  time  with  us  passes  away  as  merrily 
and  as  happily  as  mortals  can  desire.  Come,  you  shall  partake  of  our  hos 
pitality.  Let  us  forget  past  feuds,  and  strive  to  be  friends.  Our  rendez 
vous  lies  but  half  a  league  irom  this,  and  the  sun  will  have  disappeared 
ere  you  can  find  comfortable  shelter  for  yourself  and  comrades.' 

1  True  !'  replied  Nunez,  hesitating.     *  But ' 

4  Nay,  nay,  cousin,  make  no  objections.  You  must  consent  to  be  our  guests 
for  to-night,  at  least ;  besides  I  have  important  information  ior  your  ear  that 
may  yet  serve  thee  well.' 

4  Well,  well,  Manrique,  I  accept  your  hospitable  offer.  Lead  ihe  way,  we 
will  accompany  you.' 

In  a  lew  moments  both  companies  of  cavalier*  were  in  motion,  the 
two  chiefs  riding  side  by  side  in  the  centre  of  the  column.  They  entered 
the  forest,  pursuing  a  labarynthirie  course,  almost  bewildering  to  the  fol 
lowers  of  Nunez. 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  11 


CHAPTER  II. 


SCENERY  OF  MEXICO.  GORGEOUS  CAVE  or  THE  BRIGANDS.  THE  BAN 
QUET.  WEALTH  OF  THE  BRIGAND  CHIEF.  THE  TIARA  OF  DIAMONDS. 
THE  TOAST.  INDIGNATION  OF  NUNEZ. 

The  day  was  far  advanced,  and  the  lofty  snow-crowned  peak  of  Orizava 
reflected  the  last  rays  of  the  setting  sun,  a&  the  two  companies  of  outlawed 
cavaliers  reached  an  open  square,  nearly  level,  surrounded  by  a  dense  growth 
of  trees,  at  an  elevation  of  upwards  of  two  thousand  feet  from  the  ravine, 
the  scene  of  our  first  incident.  It  was  a  lovely  evening,  and  from  this  lofty 
eminence  could  be  viewed  a  scene  of  grandeur  and  magnificence— the  val 
ley  of  Mexico — with  its  plains,  its  lakes,  its  forests,  and  cities  ot  architec 
tural  beauty — embosomed  within  dark  huge  mountains  rising  up  at  ev 
ery  view.  Far  in  the  distance  were  to  be  seen  the  snow-capped  volcanic 
peaks  and  intervening  isolated  cones  gleaming  in  the  blue  sky,  making  the 
vast  extended  landscape  sublime  and  grand  if  not  picturesquely  beautiful. 
Upon  this  commanding  height  the  two  bands  of  outlaws  dismounted,  and 
at  a  signal  a  number  of  Indian  grooms  appeared,  who  led  the  horses  to  a 
cavern,  fitted  up  into  a  convenient  stable,  contiguous  to  the  plain.  The 
men  were  now  ordered  into  a  line,  after  which  they  filed  singly  through  a 
clump  of  thick  bushes,  seemingly  the  most  impenetrable  place  bordering 
the  square.  After  proceeding  some  twenty  rods,  they  halted  before  a  stu 
pendous  mound  of  granite,  covered  with  moss  and  small  shrubs,  extending 
from  base  to  summit  upwards  of  eighty  feet.  A  rugged  and  narrow  aper 
ture  was  visible  in  the  mound,  into  which  the  bandit  leader  entered,  followed 
by  the  whole  corps,  and  as  the  last  file  disappeared  a  huge  slab  of  rough 
stone  moved  diagonally  from  the  top  of  the  entrance,  leaving  the  front,  to 
all  appearances  as  Nature  had  first  formed  it.  The  hall  through  which 
the  outlaws  first  passed  was  na-row,  and  more  rugged  than  the  exterior  of 
this  cavernous  mound,  but  as  they  proceeded  onward  it  widened,  when  their 
progress  was  for  a  moment  stayed,  until  a  massive  pair  of  iron  doors  could 
be  unbolted,  unbarred  and  thrown  back  upon  their  ponderous  hinges. — 
After  descending  a  short  flight  of  hewn  stone  steps  the  company  stood  in 
the  armory  of  Don  Manuel.  This  apartment  was  nearly  forty  feet  in 
length,  by  twenty  in  breadth,  and  its  height  fifteen  feet.  From  its  rough 
granite  sides  were  suspended  carbines,  pistols,  sabres,  mabajas,  and  horse 
equipage  arranged  in  tolerable  order.  Here  the  cavaliers  deposited  their 


12  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

arms  and  exchanged  their  uniforms  for  undress  suits,  and  here  all  disci 
pline  was  ended.  vany  recognitions  now  took  place  between  the  corps  of 
Nufiez  and  Manrique,  for  most  of  whom  had  either  served  together  in  the 
army  of  Bustamente  or  as  outlaws  under  Nunez,  and  cordial  greetings  were 
extended  to  the  guests  and  met  with  happy  responses.  Officers  and  sub 
ordinates  were  now  on  an  equality,  and  all  seemed  disposed  to  pass  the  eve 
ning  merrily  raid  happily. 

An  hour  passed  when  the  cavaliers  were  summoned  to  the  banquet. — 
Suddenly  a  double  door  flew  open,  and  a  blaze  of  light  burst  unexpectedly 
upon  the  visitors  from  an  adjoining  hall  into  which  the  company  were  ush 
ered.  This  was  the  banqueting  hall  of  the  cavern,  and  exceeded  by  far  the 
dimensions  of  the  armory,  arid  was  furnished  with  all  the  richness  and  gor- 
geousness  of  an  Eastern  Prince's  seraglio.  Upon  the  floor  was  spread  a 
beautifully  colored  Brussels  carpet  of  the  finest  texture.  The  ceiling  was 
high  and  arched,  and  from  it  hung  four  large  glass  chandeliers,  brilliantly 
illuminated,  reflecting  with  dazzling  splendor  the  innumerable  particles  ol 
glittering  quartz  and  feldspar,  like  diamonds,  studding  irregularly  the 
calcareous  arch,  and  making  resplendent  the  many  transparent  stalactites 
which  sparkled  in  clusters  from  the  high  vaulted  roof.  The  walls  present 
ed  a  similar  brilliancy,  but  unlike  the  bright  gemmed  canopy  above  the 
work  of  art  and  design  were  manifest.  Jn  the  centre  of  this  gorgeous  room 
two  tables,  loaded  with  delicious  edibles,  and  surrounded  by  soft-cushioned 
chairs,  occupied  nearly  half  of  the  apartment,  and  presented  to  the  eyes  of 
the  hungry  cavaliers  a  most  gratifying  spectacle.  Plate  of  silver  and  gold 
of  immense  value  furnished  the  table,  but  the  want  of  uniformity  in  the 
patterns,  indicated  that  it  must  have  been  collected  from  a  great  variety  ot 
sources.  Standing  equi-distant  around  the  tables  were  black  servants,  drea- 
sed  in  white,  and  for  neatn  -ss  and  efficiency  would  have  honored  any  hotel 
on  the  continent.  At  a  signal  from  Don  Manuel  the  company  seated 
themselves  at  the  luxurious  banquet,  placing  himself  at  a  small  table  slight 
ly  elevated,  but  connecting  the  two  others,  with  Colonel  Nunez  beside  him 
at  his  right  hand. 

Mirth  and  joy  reigned  supreme  among  the  entertainers  and  guests  at  this 
festive  board ;  and  as  the  toast  went  round,  and  the  song  was  sung,  and 
the  rich  goblets  of  delicious  wine  were  quafFed,  peals  of  boisterous  merri 
ments  reverberated  along  the  walls  ot  this  subterraneous  palace  ;  and  among 
the  whole  company  there  was  but  one  who  did  not  feel  all  those  happy 
sensations  inspired  by  the  jolly  eod.  This  was  Alvorade  Nunez,  and  it  was 
with  difficulty  that  he  could  force  a  look  of  complacency  into  his  noble 
countenance  at  the  pleasant  sallies  of  his  chief  entertainer.  His  whole 
manner,  although  unnoticed  by  Manrique,  betrayed  symptoms  of  displeap- 
ure  and  uneasiness.  He  saw  before  him  the  undoubted  fruits  of  crime  and 
even  bloodshed,  and  a  band  of  men  too  far  steeped  in  guilt  ever  to  reform. 
The  light-heartedness  and  gaiety  of  such  men  struck  him  with  astonish 
ment;  and  he  wondered  that  their  countenances  did  not  wear  the  murderer* 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  13 

demoniac  smile  rather  than  the  apparent  smile  of  conscious  innocence,  and 
like  the  hy?enu  and  wolf  ever  present  a  ferocious  aspect. 

'  By  S<m  Jago,  cousin  Nunez  !'  said  Manrique,  '  thou  hast  drunk  no  wine ; 
thy  goblet  is  still  filled  well  nigh  to  the  brim.  We  would  have  a  toast  from 
dice.' 

*  I  have  tasted,  and  the  wine  is  well-flavored.     Fill  up  and  you  shall  hear 
n  sentiment,'  replied  Alvorado,  rising.     '  Long  life  and  happiness  to  the  pat 
riotic  Bustameute,  and  confusion  and  death  to  the  despotic  usurper,  Santa 
Anna!' 

The  toast  was  received  with  shouts  from  the  cavaliers  of  Nunez,  and  with 
equal  applause  from  most  of  the  banditti,  but  there  were  .ymptoms  of  dis 
pleasure  manifest  in  the  visages  of  Garcilazo  and  De  Vega,  who  as  lieuten 
ants  under  Manrique,  occupied  the  lower  ends  of  the  tables. 

*  No,  Senor  !'  said  Garcilazo,  rising.     '  I  protest ' 

*  Silence  !'  commanded  Don  Manuel,  in  a  thundering  tone. 

Garcilazo  doggedly  resumed  his  seat,  while  his  rough  features  displayed 
a  malevolent  smile. 

4  My  lieutenant  has  imbibed  too  freely,'  said  Manrique,  in  a  low  voice,  by 
way  of  apology,  though  he,  himself,  felt  that  he  could  have  protested  with  his 
whole  heart  against  the  sentiment  of  our  hero.  'Cheer  up,  good  cousin, 
I  trust  that  our  fare  pleaseth  thy  palate.' 

1  Excellent !  delicious !  believe  me,'  replied  Nunez.  '  How  is  it,  Man 
rique,  that  thou  canst  entertain  thy  friends  so  luxuriously  and  magnificent 
ly  ?  I  doubt  riot  that  if  thou  hadst  maintained  thy  high  rank  in  the  govern 
ment,  the  splendor  of  thy  household  would  have  been  far  less  than  the 
magnificence  I  now  behold.' 

*  By  Sun  Francis  thou  speakest  truly— fortune  has  lavishly  showered  her 
gifts  around  me.     I  would  not  exchange  my  wealth  for  that  of  the  richest 
grandee  in  all  Mexico  !' 

'  How  you  have  become  thus  wealthy  is  to  me  an  enigma,'  remarked  Nu 
nez,  'unless,  perchance,  another  Orcorbrand  has  enlisted  in  thy  service. — 
But  how  is  it,  Manrique,'  continued  he,  with  a  satirical  smile  playing  upon 
his  lips,  '  that  you  display  such  singular  taste  in  the  selection  of  your  plate  ? 
I  perceive  no  two  setts  that  bear  the  slightest  resemblance  to  each  other.' 

'Corne,  come,  thou  shouldst  not  criticise  the  taste  of  a  free  rover  of  the 
Black  Forest ;  one,  too,  who  cannot  well  purchase  his  wares  at  the  fash 
ionable  bazaars  of  the  capital.  Be  assured  that  the  richest  we  could  pro 
cure  is  before  thee  ;  besides  it  was  collected  from  a  variety  of  sources,  and 
one  must  not  be  too  particular  where  there  is  apt  to  be  but  a  small  stock  to 
select  from.' 

« Jtis,  indeed,  surpassingly  rich  ;  I  but  alluded  to  the  lack  of  similarity.' 

'  Ay,  ay  ;  then  1  suppose  that  thy  tables  are  furnished  with  a  service  of 
fdate  as  uniformly  as  the  accoutrements  of  thy  handsome  cavaliers.  Is  it 
riot  thus?' 


14  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

*  My  tables!  my  plate  !'  reiterated  Nunez,  laughing.     'I  am  not,  to  my 
knowledge,  the  owner  or  possessor  of  a  single  piece  of  silver  plate.' 

*  Santa  Mad  re  !     What!  you  do  not  mean  to  say  that  it  is  all  of  pure 
gold  ?'  ejaculated  Manrique. 

'Neither  silver  nor  gold,  brass  or  copper/ 

'  Si,  I  understand.  Thy  wealth  hath  a  more  portable  form  ?'  said  Man 
rique,  enquiringly.  'Diamonds,  rubies  and  pearls,  I  presume  ? 

*  No,  Manrique,  all  the  wealth  thatl  possess,  aside  from  my  weapons  and 
equipments,  would  not  purchase  three  days'  rations  for  my  followers.' 

*  You  deserve  better  luck,  good  cousin — thou  shouldst  have  remained  in 
Mexico  rather  than  have  attached  thyself  to  the  ragged  army  of  Carrera. — 
Seldom  passes  the  day  when  my  heroic  followers  do  not  add  something  to 
my  wealth.     Look  at  these  beautifully  wrought  gold  goblets — these  were 
taken,  together  with  a  valuable  casket  of  diamonds,  from  a  Spanish  gran 
dee,  who  passed  over  the  mountain  yesterday ;  and  although  he  had  a  score 
of  men  for  an  escort,  they  laid  down  their  arms  without  a  shot  being  fired, 
leaving  us  to  possess  ourselves  of  the  old  gentleman's  valuables  without 
opposition.' 

*  Cowardly  villains  !'  said  Don  Alvorado. 

Manrique  started  up  with  an  angry  look  that  darkened  his  bold  features. 

*  Pardon,  Senor !'  said  Nunez,  I  meant  not  the  assailants.' 

*  True — cousin — true,'  quickly  responded  Manrique,  yet  with  a  look  of 
displeasure,  for  well  he  knew  the  cause  of  meeting  with  no  opposition  from 
the  escort.     *  Speaking,  of  my  successes,'  continued  he;  4we  surprised  on 
the  same  day  a  caravan,  bound  to  the  city  ot  Mexico  from  California,  from 
which  we  took  money  and  pearls,  valued  at  seventy  talegas*  ;  and  also  this 
tiara  of  superb   diamonds,   probably   worth   half  as  much  more.'      Man 
rique  took  from  his  bosom  a  casket  containing  this  treasure  and  shewed  it 
to  his  astonished  guest,  who  examined  it  minutely,  and  on  the  back  of  the 
setting  discovered  the  initials  I.  C.  in  exceedingly  small  letters.     Without 
remarking  this  discovery  he  returned  the  precious  jewel  to  his  host. 

*  The  diamonds  are  indeed  valuable  ;  your  success  has  been  very  great,* 
said  Nunez. 

4  Great,  truly,  and  thou  shalt  be  equally  successful,  if  thou  hast  become 
less  scrupulous,  and  wilt  give  heed  to  my  advice  ' 

*I  cannot  compromise  my  sense  of  honor  and  common  honesty  for  the 
wealth  of  the  republic,'  replied  Nunez. 

*  Common  honesty !    Santa  Maria !     I  thank  thee  cousin  for  that  term. — 
Common  honesty,  forsooth!     That  quality  is  not  indigenous  to  the  soil  of 
Mexico.    We  are  called  outlaws,  brigands,  highway  robbers  !  and  does  not 
the  government  functionaries,  by  example,  encourage   us?     Do  not  they 
murder,  rob,  pillage  and  destroy  even  their  own  subjects  ?     We  must  do  as 
they  in  self  defence  !    The  term  honesty  is  obsolete  in  this  country !     The 

*  Seventy  thousand  dollars. 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  15 

gr-,at  mass  are  robbers  from  the  government  officers  to  the  wretched  soldie 
ry,  and  from  the  Padres  of  the  Church  to  the  leperos  of  the  capital !  Come, 
Nunez,  join  with  us;  thou  shalt  still  be  leader  of  thy  band,  and  I  will  com 
mand  mine.  Our  prizes  shall  be  divided  equally.  Such  a  company  of  men 
as  thine  should  ere  this  have  filled  thy  coffers  with  gold.' 

*  I  cannot  accept  thy  terms,'  answered  Nunez.     *  I  have  nobler  objects  in 
view.' 

i  Sayest  thou  so  ?  Can  Alvorado  Nunez,  the  proscribed  bandit  chief— 
the  o.utlaw — find  better  or  nobler  employment  in  Mexico  than  that  which 
the  mountain  passes  afford  ?' 

1  Yes,  Manrique,  Nunez  has  nobler  employment.  He  seeks  but  to  eman 
cipate  his  native  country  from  the  iron  despotism  and  dark  superstition  and 
bigotry  that  now  enslave  it ;  to  unrivet  the  chains  which  bind  the  people  to 
the  dust;  and  although  he  is  now  termed  an  outlaw  and  a  highway  robber, 
he  never  sanctioned  the  demanding  of  money  or  life  from  any  person, 
save  from  those  who  had  in  their  charge  government  treasures.  These  I 
regarded  as  but  fair  subjects  for  plunder.  The  minions  of  power  robbed 
me  of  my  fair  fame,  of  my  commission,  and  of  my  wealth  ;  and  at  this  very 
hour  a  price  is  fixed  upon  my  head  sufficiently  large  to  tempt  the  duplicity 
and  treachery  of  half  my  followers,  did  they  not  stand  in  fear  of  my  ven 
geance,  which  they  know  full  well  would  at  no  distant  day  surely  overtake 
them.' 

*  Come,  come,  coz,  let's  postpone  this  subject  for  a  more  fitting  occasion,' 
said  Manrique,  as  he  filled  Alvorado's  goblet  with  wine.     '  Let  us  drink  and 
be  merry.     Garcilazo,'  cried  he,  '  we  would  hear  a  song  from  thee.' 

4 1  cannot  sing  to-night,'  replied  the  lieutenant,  '  but  in  honor  of  thee, 
Senor  Capitan,  I  will  offer  a  toast  as  a  substitute.  Fill  your  goblets,  gen 
tlemen— to  the  brim — and  let  every  drop  be  drained!  "The  black-eyed 
beauty  of  Mexico — Dona  Isabella  de  Cascara !  A  joyous  day  will  be  that 
to  us  when  she  shall  be  hailed  as  the  Seiiora  Manrique!"' 

Garcilazo's  toast  was  received  with  loud  acclamations  from  the  bandits, 
and  drew  a  response  from  Manrique,  in  which  he  thanked  his  lieutenant, 
and  eulogized  the  matchless  charms  of  the  Senorita. 

But  far  different  were  the  feelings  and  actions  of  Alvorado  Nunez.  He 
had  raised  the  goblet  to  his  lips  and  was  about  to  quaff  the  sparkling  bev 
erage,  when  the  name  of  one — most  dear  to  him— was  spoken  in  a  bandits' 
cave,  and  by  profane  lips.  The  blood  forsook  his  cheek— his  eyes  flashed 
with  anger — his  lips  quivered  arid  his  arm  trembled — and  the  goblet  of 
wine  was  replaced  before  him  untouched.  Fiercel}-  did  he  look  contrasted 
with  the  joyous  faces  about  him  !  More  than  once  he  sought  the  hilt  of  his 
stilletto!  He  would  have  struck  it  to  the  heart  of  his  guest!— but  there 
was  a  moral  inward  feeling  prompting  him  to  withhold!  He  had  never  ta 
ken  life  save  in  the  cause  of  the  just  on  the  field  of  battle  !  And  to  become 
in  one  moment  an  assassin — a  murderer — was  to  become  a  being  whom  ha 
should  himself  ever  despise  ! 


16  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

'  How  now,  cousin  Nunez — you  look  ill !'  said  Manrique  as  he  noticed  the 
disturbed  manner  of  his  guest. 

i Si,  si — slightly — a  sudden  indisposition — I  beg  to  retire,'  replied  Nunez. 

Manrique  ordered  his  surgeon  and  two  of  his  servants  to  attend  him  to 
the  sleeping  apartment  prepared  for  him.  This  order  was  promptly  obey 
ed,  and  Nunez  found  bunself  in  a  luxuriously  furnished  room,  such  as  he 
had  not  occupied  since  he  fled  from  the  capital.  Having  recovered  from 
the  sudden  confusion  which  had  so  excited  him,  he  dismissed  the  surgeon 
and  attendants,  and  sought  to  quell  his  agitated  mind  through  sleep. 

Meanwhile  the  bandits  continued  their  carousal  and  made  the  caverns 
resound  with  their  boisterous  revelry.  It  was  at  a  late  hour  ere  they  cea 
sed  their  clamorous  jollity.  At  length  all  was  silent  save  the  sound  of 
heavy  breathing  from  the  drunken  sleepers,  and  the  tread  of  the  sentinels 
who  guarded  each  door  within  the  cavern  as  well  as  the  rocky  barrier 
without. 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  17 


U  flUAl 


CHAPTER  III. 


OUR  HERO'S  REFLECTIONS.  MORNING  WALK  OF  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 
A  MAGNIFICENT  SCENE.  A  CARAVAN  DESCRIED.  INFAMOUS  PROPO 
SITION.  THE  BRIGANDS  PREPARE  FOR  PLUNDERING  THE  CARAVAN.  — 
APPARENT  INACTIVITY  OF  THE  CAVALIERS  OF  NUNEZ.  THE  COUNTER- 
MOVEMENT.  TREACHERY  OF  THE  ESCO-RT.  DREADFUL  SLAUGHTER. 
THE  ATTACK  OF  THE  BRIGANDS.  THEIR  DEFEAT  BY  THE  UNKNOWN 
HORSEMEN. 

The  cavalier,  Alvorado  Nunez,  after  a  vain  endeavor  to  seek  the  repose 
which  exhausted  nature  requires,  arose  from  his  couch  of  downy  softness, 
and  paced  to  and  fro  the  apartment  with  a  troubled  mind  and  a  heart  agi 
tated  with  conflicting  emotions.  He  almost  meditated  revenge,  but  to  com 
mit  crime  would  make  him  unworthy  of  the  love  of  Isabella  de  Cascara, 
and  his  better  nature  prevailed.  Still  he  had  learned  enough  to  fill  his  soul 

with  hatred  for  his  cousin.  She  had  been  made  the  object  of  merriment 
in  a  bandits'  revel;  and  he  doubted  not  that  the  bandilchief  really  aspired 

to  the  hand  of  this  noble  lady,  to  whom  he  had  himself  pledged  his  love, 
and  had  received  in  return  tokens  which  had  convinced  him  that  he  was  re 
garded  with  affection  by  her.  Eighteen  months  had  passed  away  since 
he  had  bidden  her  farewell,  and  in  that  farewell  she  expressed  her  grief  in 
terms  that  could  not  be  misinterpreted.  Yet  there  was  room  for  doubt.  — 
Since  that  time  what  changes  had  taken  place.  Santa  Anna,  under  the  sa 
cred  name  of  liberty,  had  usuri>ed  executive  power,  and  now  exercised  his 
supremacy  with  a  tyrant's  will  ;  and  with  regret  Nunez  had  beheld  many  of 
those  who  had  at  first  strongly  opposed  him  were  now  most  strenuous  in  his 
support  ;  and  among  the  number  General  Hernandez  de  Cascara,  the  father 
of  his  beloved  Isabella.  Could  she  too  have  changed?  This  was  indeed 
possible—  for  it  now  first  flitted  across  his  mind  that  his  having  been  pro 
claimed  a  bandit  rmghtbe  a  sufficient  incitement  for  her  to  banish  him  from 
her  heart.  But  he  argued  within  himself  how  it  was  possible  that  Man- 
rique  should  have  become  acquainted  with  her,  since  he  had  become  the 
most  noted  bandit  in  all  Mexico,  and  surely  would  not  dare  to  risk  his  head 
within  the  gates  of  the  capital.  As  if  to  add  new  torment  to  his  mind,  the 
thought  that  Manrique  was  leagued  with  the  minions  of  Santa  Anna,  per 
haps  with  the  President  himself,  proved  that  visits  to  the  capital,  under 
these  circumstances  might  have  been  made  with  impunity  ;  and  from  cer- 


18  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

tain  intimations  which  he  had  gathered  from  Manrique  added  fresh  proof  to 
his  first  suspicions  and  now  carried  conviction  to  his  mind. 

'Dare  this  treacherous  bandit  presume  to  aspire  to  the  hand  of  Isabella 
de  Cascara?'  soliloquised  he,  inaudibly.  *  Heaven  forbid  !  that  a  being  pos 
sessing  the  sweetness  and  virtue  ot  an  angel,  should  ever  become  the  wife 
of  a  ruthless  brigand !  I  also  understand  the  true  character  of  my  fallen 
kinsman.  I  would  have  made  an  effort  to  rescue  him  from  his  degraded 
life — but  he  has  sunk  too  low.  I  now  fully  comprehend  the  despicable 
means  by  which  he  has  become  the  possessor  of  untold  wealth,  and  he  no 
doubt  pays  heavy  tribute  to  his  master  at  the  capital.  This  matter  I  am 
resolved  to  probe  to  the  bottom  ;  but  I  must  be  circumspect  and  dissemble 
lest  my  motives  be  discovered.' 

Nunez  once  more  sought  his  couch,  and  ere  long  he  fell  into  a  profound 
slumber,  from  which  in  a  few  hours  he  was  awakened  by  a  loud  knocking 
against  the  door  of  his  apartment. 

*  Who  comes  ?'  demanded  Nunez. 

*  Amigo  !  Senor  Manrique.' 

Nunez  unbolted  the  door  and  admitted  his  host,  who  pleasantly  saluted 
him  : 

*  Excuse  me,  cousin,  for  disturbing  thee  thus  early.  The  morning  is  fine, 
and  the  pure  air  of  Orizava  will  invigorate  ;hee.     Come,  let  us  walk  forth 
ere  the  sun  climbs  above  the  intervening  peaks.' 

*  Many  thanks,  Manrique.     1  will  join  you  presently,'  replied  Nunez. 

*  Meet  me  in  the  armory,'  said  the  bandit  chief  as  he  retired. 

Nunez  quickly  attired  himself,  and  placing  a  brace  of  pistols  and  a  ma- 
haja  in  his  girdle,  rejoined  Manrique,  and  accompanied  him  through  the  pal 
ace  cave  into  the  bright  and  beautiful  world  without. 

Un surpassingly  lovely  was  the  morning,  and  the  grandeur,  beauty  and 
sublimity  of  the  wide  spread  mountainous  landscape,  were  heightened  by 
the  purity  of  the  atmosphere,  the  stillness  of  the  scene,  and  the  serene  rays 
of  the  sun  just  rising  in  glorious  majesty  from  his  golden  bed,  and  tipping 
with  gilded  beams  the  many  peaks  of  eternal  snow,  towering  upward  as  if 
intended  by  the  Supreme  Architect  for  conic  pillars  to  sustain  the  heaven 
ly  arch ;  while  around  and  below  the  vallies  and  lesser  mountains  smiled 
with  varied  shades  of  green,  blending  harmoniously  witli  the  clear  blue  at 
mosphere. 

The  two  chieftains  pursued  their  way  leisurely  through  a  winding  path 
which  led  them  to  the  crown  of  the  mound,  which  formed  a  massive  rocky 
roof  for  the  bandits  gorgeous  rendezvous.  This  eminence  commanded  a 
finer  and  more  extended  view  of  the  sctnery  than  the  square  below,  and 
drew  from  Alvorado  expressions  of  wonder  and  delight  as  he  gazed  upon 
the  vast  picture  before  him. 

*  Santa  Maria !  A  most  lovely  morning  !'  exclaimed  Manrique. 

1 1  never  beheld  a  lovelier !'  responded  Nunez. 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  19 

'Above  all  things,' resumed  Manrique,  'I should  like  nn  adventure  this 
,  morning,  just  by  the  way  of  whetting-  my  appetite  for  breakfast.' 

4 This  mountain  abounds  in  game,  I  believe?'  said  Nunez,  enquiringly. 
'Oh  yes! — such  as  the  wild  boar,  goat  and   antelope— -but  I  never  hunt 
such  game,'  replied  Manrique  taking  a  telescope,  which  was  slung  to  his 
back,  and  bringing  it  up  to  his  eye,  looking  eastward.     'By  the  aid  of  this 
instrument  I  am  enabled  to  view  many  leagues  of  the  principal  road  lead 
ing  from  Vera  Cruz.     But  1  perceive  nothing — look,  perhaps  your  eyesight 
'is  keener  than  mine.' 

Nunez  took  the  glass  and  held  it  to  his  eye  for  a  few  moments.  'The 
road  seems  clear,  and  yet  methinks  that  that  cloud  of  dust  rising  above  the 
tall  trees  which  obsc  ire  the  road  proceeds  from  the  movements  of  a  cara 
van  of  arrieros  or  a  company  of  horsemen.  In  a  few  moments  they  will 
have  passed  the  woods  into  the  plain.' 

As  Nunez  had  calculated,  a  caravan,  though  at  the  distance  of  three 
leagues,  was  seen  to  emerge  slowly  from  the  wood,  and  by  the  aid  of  the 
glass  Don  Manuel  could  discern  a  company  of  arrieros,  with  their  beasts 
heavily  burdened,  and  preceded  by  a  small  escort  of  cavaliers.  In  the  rear 
of  the  escort,  was  a  Mexican  carriage,  in  which  the  bandit  presumed  rode 
the  proprietor  of  the  caravan. 

'  By  San  lago,  cousin  !'  said  Manrique,  I  doubt  not  there  is  wealth  enough 
on  those  mules  backs  to  raise  and  equip  a  force  of  one  thousand  men.  That 
is  the  kind  of  game  I  delight  in  capturing.  We  shall  have  rare  sport !' 

'  Surely,  Manrique,  '  you  do  not  intend ' 

'  Si,  cousin,'  interrupted  the  bandit.  '  Ere  two  hours  have  passed  yon  car 
avan  shall  be  in  my  power.  Pardon  me,  Nunez,  I  should  have  offered  thee 
the  honor  of  engaging  the  caravan  escort.  Come,  you  shall  have  the  gol 
den  opportunity  of  making  thyself  rich.' 

'But,  Manrique,  it  may  be  a  private  caravan — some  grandee  travelling  to 
wards  the  capital.' 

'  So  much  the  better,  cousin  !     The  government  transports  are  exceeding 
ly  small,  now-a-days — they  are  hardly  worth  plundering.' 
'  1  positively  decline  the  honor  as  you  term  it.' 
'  Seriously  ?' 

'Seriously!  and  intreat  of  thee,  if  you  really  intend  what  your  words 
intimate,  to  forbear!' 

'  By  San  Francis,  you  plead  in  vain.  Preach  no  more  of  thy  morality  to 
me.  Since  thuu  wilt  not  let  dame  Fortune  smile  upon  thee  1  must  not  dis 
regard  her  favors.' 

Thus  saying  they  hurried  down  the  path  to  the  plain,  where  the  brig 
ands  had  assembled  for  the  purpose  of  displaying  their  equestrian  feats  to 
their  cavalier  guests.  Manrique  gave  orders  to  his  lieutenant,  Garcilazo,  to 
delect  twenty-five  men  for  the  important  expedition.  The  orders  were 
promptly  obeyed  and  the  company  of  banditti,  armed  and  equipped  as  on 
th,e  evening  previous,  were  prepared  for  duty.  Manrique  put  himself  at 


20  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

the  head  of  his  eorps,  and  after  inviting  Nunez  and  his  cavaliers  to  accom 
pany  him  a  short  distance  where  they  might  observe  the  attack,  an  invita 
tion  which  he  eagerly  accepted,  the  handitti  proceeded  through  the  thick 
forest  towards  the  barranca,  followed  soon  after  by  Nunez  and  his  compa 
ny,  who  halted  two  hundred  rods  distant  above  the  place  where  Manrique's 
force  intended  to  lie  in  ambush.  Nunez  now  despatched  ten  of  his  follow 
ers,  headed  by  a  trusty  leader,  to  a  point  half  a  league  beyond  the  ravine, 
and  instructed  them  to  proceed  thither  by  a  circuitous  route  in  order  that 
their  movements  might  not  be  observed  by  any  of  the  bandits,  and  there* 
to  await  further  orders. 

Meanwhile  the  bandits  are  remaining  inactive,  awaiting  the  arrival  of  the 
caravan,  we  will  notice  the  movements  of  a  single  horseman,  attired  as  a 
mestizzo,  who  soon  after  followed  the  ten  cavaliers  of  Nunez,  though  tak 
ing  a  wider  circuit,  and  riding  with  greater  speed.  C  nward  he  proceeded 
at  the  distance  of  nearly  a  league,  when  he  emerged  from  the  road  directly 
in  the  rear  of  the  escort,  and  riding  up  to  the  officer  in  command,  re 
quested  permission  to  speak  with  the  proprietor  of  the  caravan  on  business 
of  vital  importance.  The  request  was  granted,  and  the  horseman  halted 
until  the  carriage  came  up,  which  he  saw  contained  a  middle-aged  gentle 
man,  with  a  fine  expressive  countenance,  and  a  young  lady  whose  features 
were  closely  veiled,  and  thus  addressed  the  former: 

'Senor,  I  come  to  apprise  you  of  danger — robbers  lie  in  your  path — re 
turn  ere  k  be  too  late  !' 

*  Many  thanks  for  the  interest  you  manifest  in  my  behalf,  sir  stranger,'  re 
plied  the  gentleman.  •  '  But  I  have  heard  so  many  rumors  of  robbers,  dur 
ing  our  journey,  and  have  proceeded  so  far  unmolested,  that  I  am  in  doubt 
as  to  there  being  any  on  the  route.' 

'  Believe  me,  Senor,'  said  the  horseman  earnestly,  *  Not  half  a  league 
from  this,  in  a  deep  barranca,  lies  concealed  a  company  of  well  armed  and 
desperate  brigands,  who  are  apprised  of  your  coming.  Be  assured  if  you 
proceed  you  will  be  attacked. 

'I  cannot  now  return,'  replied  the  gentleman,  'but  must  pass  the  Orizava 
mountain  ere  nightfall.  Why  should  1  fear  a  band  of  robbers?  J  have  an 
efficient  escort ! 

'  Por  d  amor  de  Dios ."  exclaimed  the  horseman,  'return,  or  lose   your 
wealth,  and  endanger  your  life  and  that  of  the  young  lady  with  you.     Trust 
riot  to  your  half  score  of  troops — the  brigands  outnumber  them  two  to  one  ; 
besides,  government  troops  have  been  known  to  be  treacherous  !' 
'  1  thank  you  for  your  advice,  sir  stranger,  but  cannot  follow  it !' 
'  Father,'  said  a  sweet-toned  voice  from  beneath  the  veil,  which  vibrated 
pleasingly  upon  the  ear  of  the  stranger,  '  This  caballero's  words  sound  as 
if  there  were  real  danger  in  our  path.     Give  heed  to  his  advice — let  us  re 
turn  or  halt  until  we  can  despatch  a  courier  for  an  additional  escort.' 

'  No,  my  child  !  I  am  resolved  to  proceed  on !  I  should  be  hailed  as  a  cow 
ard  ever  after  should  I  return.' 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  21 

1  God  preserve  you,  Senor !'  said  the  caballero,  as  he  spurred  bis  horse 
into  the  dark  forest. 

The  caravan  proceeded  slowly  on  as  before.  The  escort  were  ordered 
to  prepare  for  an  attack,  which  they  did  as  well  as  a  few  old  rusty  carbines 
with  mahajas  to  match  would  permit.  § 

*  Father,'  said  the  young  lady  who  unveiled  her  features  soon  as  the 
horseman  departed,  presenting  a  face  of  exceeding  sweetness  and  beauty ; 
*  knowest  thou  the  caballero  who  expresses  so  much  solicitude  in  our  behalf? 
he  wears  the  garb  of  a  mestizzo,  but  methinks  his  noble  bearing  and  cour 
teous  speech  proclaim  him  of  higher  rank.' 

'  He  is  unknown  to  me,  rny  child ;  and  I  agree  with  thee  in  opinion  that 
he  is  not  what  he  seerneth.  Perchance  he  is  himself  a  brigand !  Had  his 
address  comported  better  with  his  costume  I  might  have  given  more  heed  to 
his  information.' 

'Nay,  nay,  father,  he  was  too  sincere  for  us  to  entertain  suspicion  of  his 
intention.  I  cannot  doubt  that  he  spake  truth,  and  I  must  confess  1  have  a 
presentiment  of  danger.' 

•  Maintain  thy  courage,  daughter.     The  Brigands  will  not  dare  molest  us 
and  hazard  an  engagement  with  oar  escort.' 

1  But  I  fear,  as  the  caballero  intimated,  they  may  prove  treacherous.  Such 
has  often  been  the  case.' 

4  True,  my  child  !  I  grieve  that  our  soldiery  are  not  under  more  severe 
restrictions ;  but  lessen  thy  fears,  they  will  not  dare  show  treachery  to  an 
ofiicer  of  the  state.' 

'  This  then  may  be  our  only  hope,'  replied  the  grandee's  daughter. 

The  caravan  had  now  passed  the  plain,  and  entered  the  thick  woods. 
Near  by  were  concealed  the  ten  cavaliers  whom  Nunez  had  despatched 
from  his  corps ;  farther  on  lie  in  ambush  the  bandits  of  Don  Manuel ;  and 
at  a  point  still  farther  on,  overlooking  a  portion  of  the  barranca,  stood  the 
principal  body  of  the  cavaliers  of  Nunez  ;  while  the  single  strange  horse 
man  had  joined  the  ten  cavaliers,  all  of  whom  were  now  appareled  and 
equipped  as  mestizzoes. 

The  cavalry,  composing  the  escort,  were  allowed  to  pass  the  point  where 
the  robbers  were  hidden,  in  order  first  to  attack  the  muleteers  and  drive  their 
beasts  with  their  precious  burdens  into  the  forest,  and  thus  make  sure  of 
the  booty.  The  bandits,  headed  by  their  chief,  now  spurred  their  steeds 
into  the  road,  and  by  an  adroit  manoeuvre  completely  cut  off  the  escort 
from  the  carriage  and  muleteers.  The  cavalry  now  faced  about  and  were 
about  to  charge  upon  the  bandits,  when  Don  Manuel  suddenly  .displayed 
a  small  red  flag,  with  the  words,  '  Viva  el  Libertador."  inscribed  upon  it. 
This  being  perceived  by  the  captain  of  the  escort,  he  ordered  his  men  again 
to  face  about,  when  they  left  the  caravan  and  at  a  quick  pace  proceeded  on 
towards  the  ascent  to  the  mountain.  This  treacherous  movement  was  noti 
ced  by  the  strange  horsemen  who  was  now  standing  where  he  could  over 
look  the  scenes  in  the  ravine. 


32  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

•  *  Obiedos  de  Dion  /'  exclaimed  he  to  the  ten  cavaliers.  'Vile  traitoroim 
cowards !  They  shall  meet  with  their  just  reward !  Here,  Enrique,'  said 
he  to  a  youth  beside  him.  'Take  this  clarion — ride  quickly  through  the 
forest  until  you  pass  the  barranca.  Give  the  signal  of  attack  and  as  speed 
ily  return  !' 

The  gallant  youth  spurred  his  steed  arid  quickly  disappeared.  Soon  the 
sound  of  the  clarion  echoed  through  the  forest!  The  cavaliers  of  Nunez, 
who  were  prepared  for  any  emergency  that  might  occur,  suddenly  blocked 
up  the  road,  and  arrested  the  flight  of  the  escort !  A  desperate  and  bloody 
conflict  ensued — and  ere  ten  minutes  had  elapsed,  the  traitorous  soldiers  of 
the  government,  without  a  single  exception,  lie  weltering  in  purple  gore! 

We  will  now  return  to  the  caravan.  The  banditti  had  commenced  their 
work  of  plunder—  the  arrieros,  terrified  and  dismayed,  fled  and  secreted 
themselves  in  the  forests,  leaving  their  mules  in  possession  of  the  banditti, 
Manrique,  followed  by  Garcilazoand  De  Vega,  now  rode  up  to  the  carriage, 
and  demanded  the  jewels  and  other  valuables  in  possession  of  its  occupant*. 

*  Santa  Madre  de  DIGS  !  protect  us !'  exclaimed  the  young  lady  trembling 
with  affright,  as  the  bandits  appeared. 

*  One  of  the  villains  at  least  shall  die  !'  said  the  grandee,  as  he  discharged 
one  of  his  pistols  at  the  robbers.     \)G  Vega  fell  from  his  horse  mortally 
wounded. 

4  Jesus!  Maria!'  thou  shalt  be  fearfully  avenged  !'  ejaculated  Manrique. 
as  he  saw  his  lieutenant  fall. 

At  this  moment  half  a  dozen  other  bandits  rode  up,  when  one  of  them 
fell  from  the  second  pistol  shot  of  the  grandee. 

'Jesus!  que  Demonio!  Seize  the  hoary-headed  villain  and  drag  him 
forth  !  He  must  die !  Spare  the  life  of  the  muchacha,  arid  bear  her  to  the 
caye  !'  ordered  Don  Manuel. 

Four  of  the  bandits  grasped  the  grandee  and  in  a  brutal  manner  drew 
him  forth  from  the  carriage,  while  Garcilazo,  from  the  opposite  side  lifted 
out  the  fainting  maiden  and  bore  her  towards  Manrique.  The  latter  whiltt 
in  the  act  of  raising  her  to  the  saddle  beside  him,  was  struck  down  by  n 
powerful  blow  from  a  horseman  who  suddenly  darted  into  the  road.  Ere 
the  bandits  could  revenge  their  fallen  chief,  ten  other  horsemen  appeared, 
and  a  desperate  combat  ensued.  The  robbers  dismayed  by  the  loss  of 
their  leader,and  the  unexpected  assault,  soon  were  forced  to  fly,  leaving  tln> 
field  and  booty  in  possession  ol  the  ten  cavaliers  and  the  brave  stranger, 
whom  we  left  at  the  beginning  of  the  assault  concealed  in  the  forest  near 
the  road.  The  frightened  muleteers  now  came  forth  and  assisted  in  again 
getting  the  mules  in  motion  with  their  heads  turned  toward  the  place  from 
whence  they  had  that  morning  set  out.  The  grandee  and  his  daughter  werv 
assisted  into  the  carriage,  and  the  whole  caravan,  with  the  ten  cavaliers  ami 
the  strange  horseman  acting  as  escort,  soon  arrived  at  the  hacienda  ot  Don 
Antonio  Floresco  at  the  distance  of  two  leagues  from  the  barranca.  Th* 
lady,  who  had  now  recovered  from  the  effects  of  her  affright,  was  handed 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  23 

jrom  the  carnage  by  her  strange  protector,  while  the  grandee  was  assisted 
out  by  the  cavaliers. 

*  Brave  caballeros  !'  said  the  old  gentleman, '  you  have  done  us  infinite 
service,  and  we  owe  thee  more  than  our  eternal  gratitude ;  and  by  San  Lo 
renzo  thou  shalt  have  gold !' 

1  No,  Senor,  we  cannot  accept  thy  gold,'  replied  the  brave  stranger.  *  We 
are  amply  compensated  ty  the  satisfaction  we  have  received  in  defeating 
the  merciless  villains.' 

'  Si,  si,'  responded  the  ten  cavaliers. 

'You  will  at  least  allow  me  to  place  upon  your  finger  this  token  of  our 
thankfulness,'  said  the  young  lady  advancing,  towards  the  stranger,  and  pla 
cing  upon  his  finger  a  diamond  of  great  brilliancy.  *  Wear  it  ever  for  the 
sake  of  the  person  whose  life  you  have  saved.' 

'  Allow  rne  to  behold  thy  features,  fair  lady,'  replied  he,  *  that  I  may  know 
how  to  prize  this  sparkling  gem.' 

«  No,  caballero  ;  seek  not  to  know  me,'  said  the  lady. 

There  was  something  mysterious  and  yet  fascinating  in  the  manner  of 
the  veiled  daughter  of  the  grandee,  that  operated  like  a  charm  upon  the 
mind  of  him  who  had  rescued  her  from  out  the  robbers'  hands.  The  tones 
of  her  voice  fell  upon  his  ear  like  sweetest  music ;  her  every  movement 
possessed  an  enchanting  grace  which  quite  captivated  him  ;  and  after  the 
farewell  had  been  spoken,  and  his  steed  was  bearing  him  from  her  pres 
ence,  his  eye  lingered  upon  her  until  she  finally  disappeared ! 


24  THE  RIVAL  ClllEFTAINS. 


. 

CHAPTER  IV. 

SINGULAR  INTERVIEW  OF  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.     DEPARTURE  FOR  THE 
CAPITAL.     A  SLIGHT  DETENTION. 

The  sun  had  reached  its  meridian  ere  the  Brigands,  with  their  fallen  lea 
der,  had  reached  their  rendezvous.  Don  Manrique,  whom  we  left  senseless 
in  the  barranca,  soon  after  revived,  and  was  borne  to  the  cave  on  a  rude  lit 
ter  which  his  comrades  had  constructed  of  green  boughs  cut  from  the  for 
est  trees.  He  was  not  dangerously  wounded  though  weak  from  the  less  of 
blood.  The  force  of  Alvorado  Nunez  arrived  in  one  hour  afterwards  with 
out  the  loss  of  a  man,  notwithstanding  the  severity  of  their  engagement 
with  the  caravan  escort.  Nunez  forthwith  sought  an  interview  with  Don 
Manuel,  and  found  him  reclining  upon  a  luxurious  couch  smoking  a  ci- 
garito. 

'Ah!  Manrique !'  exclaimed  Alvorado.  'I  thought  you  were  slain.  I 
saw  you  fall !' 

*  By  San  Francis  !  it  was  a  narrow  escape,  cousin.     A  half  score  of  men, 
dressed  like  mestizzoes  fell  upon  us,  and  dealt  heavy  blows  about  our  heads ! 
else  the  caravan  treasures  would  have  now  been  in  our  possession  !' 

*  A  lucky  incident  for  the  caravan  !'  remarked  Nunez. 

*  You  speak  truly !'  returned  Manrique.     'I  would  give  the  richest  dia 
mond  in  my  collection  to  know  by  whom  we  were  so  severely  dealt  with ! 

1  Your  force  fared  much  better  than  the  escort  ?' 

'Bj  San  lago!  I  believe  not  one  among  them  is  left  to  the  tale  !'  replied 
Manrique,  in  a  disturbed  manner.  'I  liked  not  your  interference,  after  you 
had  refused  to  attack  the  caravan.' 

*I  war  not  with  peaceful  travellers!'  said  Nunez  in  a  dignified  manner 
'but  with  the  minions  of  the  despot!  I  beheld  their  treachery  and  saw  the 
pusillanimous  villains  fly  !  They  were  my  enemies  and  I  cut  them  down  I' 

*  Well,  well !  dtjarlo  /—let  it  pass  !— We  must  henceforth  be  friends,  Al 
vorado.  Hast  thou  considered  our  proposition  of  last  night  ?' 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  25 

'It  required  no  consideration,'  replied  Nunez.  'I  rejected  the  proposal 
at  once.  1  can  never  consent  to  become  more  vile  than  1  am  !' 

'•Remember!  our  cause  is  lost — irrecoverably  lost!' 

'No,  Manrique  !  I  am  assured  that  the  despot's  power  is  daily  weaken 
ing,  and  that  ere  long  his  sway  must  cease!' 

'Mentira! — It  is  not  true  ! — I  was  in  the  city  of  Mexico  but  five  days  ago. 
I  there  learned  that  Bustamente's  generals  had  made  peace  with  the  Presi 
dent  !  Moreover,  the  air  was  ringing  with  shouts  of  "  Buen  suceso,  Santa 
Anna !  Viva  Santa  Anna !"  ' 

*  Santa  Maria  !     You  surprise  me !'  replied  Nunez.     *  What !  Sefior  Man 
rique — the  Brigand  Chieftain — the  terror  of  the  valley  of  Mexico,  visit  the 
capital  ?     Come,  come,  this  is  a  jest  1' 

*  Truth,  by   San    Francis !     I   have   friends  there  !     I   go  arid  return  at 
pleasure — but  always  in  disguise  !     And  go  mayst  thou,  cousin,  if  thou  wilt 
but  heed  my.advice.   A  chieftain  who  commands  four  score  caballeros,  like 
unto  thine  or  mine,  is  held  in  no  despisable  estimation  in  these  troublous 
times!' 

'It  cannot  be  possible  that  Don  Manuel  has '  Nunez  checked 

his  utterance  of  the  severe  thought  that  dwelt  upon  his  mind.  'I  can  hard 
ly  give  credit  to  thy  statement,  lie  continued.  'I  should  not  dnre  risk  my 
head  within  a  league  of  the  despot's  citadel !  Besides,  I  have  nothing  to 
entice  me  thither.  My  friends  are  banished  and  their  estates  confiscated, 
and  until  another  revolution  reinstates  them  in  their  former  position  I  shall 
roam  with  my  gallant  cavaliers  over  the  mountains  and  forests  of  Gautema- 
la  arid  Mexico !' 

'  Then  be  assured  thou  wilt  never  visit  thy  native  city  again  !'  replied  Man 
rique.  'The  President  is  acquiring  popularity  and  power  daily.  Canst 
thou  not  think  of  some  fair-cheeked,  black-eyed  Senorita,  that  occupies  a 
share  of  your  heart  sufficiently  large  to  attract  thee  thither.' 

'  My  head  would  surely  have  to  answer  for  such  bold  rashness  !' 

'Nay,  nay,  I  will  lead  thee  there  in  safety  ;  and  I  swear  to  thee  thou  shalt 
depart  unmolested  ;  moreover,  I  will  seek  an  opportunity  to  introduce  thee 
to  my  affianced  !' 

' Indeed!' exclaimed  Nunez,  a  gleam  of  apprehension  darting  from  his 
expressive  eye  ;  '  and  who  is  this  favored  fair  one  ?' 

'One  whose  wealth  and  loveliness  surpasseth  all  the  maidens:of  the  cap 
ital.  She  is  the  kija  of  a  grandee,  and  her  name  is  in  the  mouths  of  all  the 
caballeros  and  lechuginos  of  Mexico!' 

The  hand  of  Nunez  instinctively  sought  the  handle  of  his  double-edged 
mahaja,  though  unnoticed  by  the  bandit  chief.' 

'I  am  yet  in  the  dark,  Manrique,'  said  he.     '1  would  know  her  name !' 

'Sefiorita  de  Cuscara  ! — la  kermosa,  la  sin  par — the  beautiful,  the  peerless.' 

The  suspicions  of  Nunez  in  regard  to  Dona  Isabella  were  now  fully  con 
firmed  ;  and  it  was  with  difficulty  that  he  suppressed  the  rage  whieh  boiled 


36  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

within  Lira.  His  first  impulse  was  to  annihilate  his  detested  rival  upon  the 
spot!  but  the  time  for  vengeance  hud  not  yet  come  !  He  was  now  convinced 
that  Manrique  was  also  leagued  with  those  high  in  authority — perhaps, 
thought  he,  with  Santa  Anna  himself— and  he  resolved  in  his  heart  to  haz 
ard  all,  and  even  life,  in  a  full  investigation  of  the  matter.' 

4  Methiuks  Dona  Isabella  entertains  great  love  for  the  romantic  in  con 
senting  to  become  a  Brigand's  wife,  and  to  exchange  her  father's  palace  for 
a  robber's  cave !' 

4  You  do  her  injustice,'  replied  the  bandit.  'She  knows  Manrique 
only  as  a  Spanish  grandee!  When  she  becomes  mine,  she  "will  reside  in  a 
Mexican  palace  with  her  loving  lord,  thy  humble  servant !' 

4  You  speak  in  riddles!'  remarked  Nunez. 

'Nay,  nay,  cousin  !  Thou  art  dull  of  comprehension.  I  perceive  you  do 
not  understand  me.  I  will  speak  more  plainly.  Know  then,  tjiat  in  con 
sideration  of  the  utter  hopelessness  of  our  cause,  and  rather  than  be  a  ban 
dit  all  my  days,  I  have  made  peace  with  Santa  Anna,\vho  is  now  my  friend 
and  my  intercessor  with  the  lady  Isabella!  Know,  further,  that  I  am  com 
missioned  by  him  to  make  overtures  to  thee  !  Attach  thyself  and  thy  brave 
followers  to  his  cause,  and  thy  courage  and  talents  wilt  soon  place  thee  high 
in  his  esteem,  and  honor  arid  wealth  will  be  conferred  upon  thee.  What 
says  my  cousin  ?' 

'  Turn  traitor,  meanest  thou  ?' 

*  Si,  if  thou  canst  give  it  no  gentler  name.     It  is  now  the  only  course  leit 
— our  cause,  I  repeat,  is  inevitably  lost!' 

*  Supposing  that  I  consent  to  listen  to  the  terms,  how  shall  I  proceed  ?' 

4  Visit  the  President  at  the  capital.  I  will  accompany  thee,  and  I  warrant 
thou  wilt  receive  friendly  treatment.' 

1  What  assurance  can  I  have  for  my  safety,  if  I  go  to  Mexico,  and  thrust 
my  head  into  the  tyrant's-den?' 

4  Speak  what  thou  requires!,  and  by  St.  lago,  if  within  my  power  it  shall 
be  granted  thee  ?' 

*  A  generous  offer,'  replied  Nunez,  hesitating. 

*Be  not  modest, cousin;  by  my  faith,  say  what  thou  wilt,  and  thy  terms 
shall  be  acceded  to.' 

*  Put  into  rny  possession  this  mountain  castle,  and  your  cavaliers  under 
my  officers,  until  my  safe  return,  and  I  will  proceed  to  Mexico  with  thee 
forthwith  " 

'  By  San  Lorenzo,  thou'rt  not  so  modest  as  I  could  have  wished  !'  said 
Manrique. 

*  True ;  but  I  would  not  have  my  head  exposed  in  Plazuela  de  la  Cebada, 
for  all  that  the  blessed  sun  shines  upon  !' 

'  Well,  well,  I  accept  thy  terms.  Tarry  with  us  to-morrow,  and  on  the 
next  day  I  shall  be  prepared  to  depart!' 

Don  Manrique  now  complaining  of  weakness,  Alvorado  retired  to  his 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  27 

spartment,  where  he  contemplated  the  strange  events  that  had  transpired 
during  his  sojourn  with  the  Brigands  of  the  Black  Forest.  He  resolved  to 
proceed  to  Mexico,  under  the  conditions  named,  knowing  that  the  posses 
sion  of  this  strong-hold  of  the  mountain  was  a  sufficient  guarantee  lor  the 
safety  of  his  person ;  and  he  doubted  not  that  the  perfidious  confessions  of 
ihe  hand  it  chief  were  wholly  true,  for  his  owu  observations  had  fully  sub 
stantiated  them. 

He  now  ordered  his  first  lieutenant,  Enrique  Canazilla,  a  noble  and 
handsome  youth,  scarcely  twenty-one  years  of  age,  to  his  presence.  To 
him  was  communicated,  in  whispers,  the  startling  information  he  had  ac 
quired;  and  during  a  long  interview,  their  future  course  of  action  was  mar 
ked  out.  Enriquez  was  invested  with  the  command  of  the  force,  until  his 
superior  officer  should  return  from  the  capital ;  and  every  precaution  wa* 
taken  to  guard  against  treachery  and  every  other  possible  emergency. 


On  the  morning  appointed  for  the  departure  of  the  Rival  Chiefs  for  the 
City  of  Mexico,  the  two  companies  of  cavaliers  were  paraded  on  the  plain 
contiguous  to  the  cavern.  Their  commanders  came  forth  fully  equipped, 
and  mounted  upon  high-mettled  chargers.  Manrique  now  addressed  his 
men,  explaining  his  motives  for  surrendering  temporarily  his  command, 
and  instructed  his  men  to  obey  the  orders  of  Enrique  Canazilla,  whom  hi« 
guest  had  honored  with  this  commission. 

The  chiefs  resolved  to  travel  without  escort,  and  after  returning  to  the 
cave,  where  they  disguised  themselves,  they  set  out  for  the  capital,  taking 
with  them  one  attendant  each.  During  the  first  day  of  their  journeying 
no  incident  occurred  worthy  of  note.  On  the  second  day  they  encountered 
a  body  of  government  cavaliers;  the  leader  of  whom  commanded  our  trav 
ellers  to  half. 

*  Quien  vivc  ?' 

'  Gentes  de  paz  ."  replied  Manrique. 

*  Que  Gentes  ?' 

1  Jlmigos !  bound  to  the  capital.' 

4  Your  passport!'  demanded  the  leader  fiercely,  at  the  same  moment 
cocking  his  pistol.  • 

At  this  peremptory  summons  Manrique  pulled  off  his  gauntlet,  and  dis 
played  his  little  finger  to  the  view  of  the  officer,  on  which  was  encircled  a 
signet  ring.  This  movement  caused  the  officer  to  replace  his  pistol  in  the 
holsters  of  the  saddle,  and  raise  his  hand  respectfully  to  his  cap. 

'  Pass  !'  said  he. 

Manrique  answered  the  salutation  of  the  officer  and  the  parties  separated. 
4  We  have  had  a  narrow  escape  !'  said  Alvorado  Nunez,  soon  as  they  had 


•^  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

passed  the  troop.  'By  what  talisman,  Manrique,  were  we  prevented  from 
immediate  arrest?' 

'  liy  one  that  may  again  serve  thee,  and  of  which  thou  shalt  hereafter 
Know  more  of,'  replied  Manrique. 

*  That  was  a  detachment  from  Santa  Anna's  body  guard  ?' 

'  Si,  Senor.' 

'You  seem  possessed  of  privileges  unusually  allowed  those  who  bear  the 
stigma  of  outlaw  arid  brigand  ?' 

4  Si,  coz — I'm  a  favored  one  !     By  San  lago,  thou  shalt  be  so  too!' 

The  travellers  continued  moderately  on  their  way  towards  the  great  cap 
ital,  meanwhile  conversing  on  mutters  relative  to  the  government,  from 
which  Nunez  gathered  much,  developing  the  mystery  which  seemed  to 
guide  the  course  of  Manrique. 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  29 


CHAPTER  V. 


THE  CAPITAL.  THE  PROCESSION.  GENEROUS  CONDUCT  or  OUR  HERO 
INE.  THE  PLAZUELA  DE  LA  CEBADOS.  THE  YANKEE  AND  THE  HOLY 
PADRE.  ZEB  SHORT  VICTORIOUS. 


To  Mexico — magnificent  Mexico — the  City  of  Palaces,  as  it  may  be  cor 
rectly  designated — we  now  convey  our  readers  in  advance  of  the  cavaliers 
whom  we  left  journeying  in  our  last  chapter.  Let  us  seek  a  commanding 
eminence — the  tower  of  the  gigantic  cathedral  in  the  Plaza,  Major — where 
we  can  overlook  the  gorgeous  magnificence  that  has  arisen  in  place  of  the 
clay  ruins  of  Tenochtitlan. 

To  the  eye  of  the  stranger,  all  appears  wonderful  and  splendid  and  co 
lossal.  Behold  the  numberless  churches,  convents,  and  government  edifices, 
with  their  white  roofs  glistening  in  the  sunbeams,  rising  up  in  every  direc 
tion  :  the  broad  and  evenly-paved  streets  extending  the  whole  length  and 
breadth  of  the  city,  displaying  an  almost  unbroken  line  of  palaces,  public 
buildings,  and  elegant  mansions,  erected  in  a  style  of  architecture,  which 
for  graceful  proportions  and  splendor  of  embellishments,  might  even  chal 
lenge  the  Old  World  to  point  to  an  existing  parallel.  Mark,  too,  the  gran 
deur  and  solidity  of  its  details.  Almost  every  building  is  constructed  of 
porphry,  or  porus  amygdaloid,  with  walls  of  extraordinary  thickness,  and 
foundations  whieh  nothing  but  a  mighty  convulsion  of  nature  can  shake. — 
The  facades  are  principally  painted  white,  blue,  crimson,  green  or  red,  and 
ornamented  with  designs,  elaborately  if  not  artistically  sculptured ;  while 
many  are  overlaid  with  stained  porcelain  tiles  of  exceeding  richness.  In 
the  central  part  of  the  city,  such  is  the  multiplicity  of  churches,  monasteries, 
and  public  edifices,  rising  above  the  general  outline,  that  it  is  with  difficul 
ty  all  can  be  designated  ;  presenting,  combined,  a  mass  of  collossal  domes 
and  gilded  spires  towering  in  splendid  relief  against  the  bright  blue  sky, 
unsurpassed  in  any  city  of  the  orient. 

The  interiors  of  the  public  edifices  of  Mexico,  if  possible,  arc  more  strik- 


30  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

ingly  rich  in  appearance  than  their  exteriors ;  embellished  a«  they  are  with 
paintings,  statuary,  gildings  arid  other  features  of  display  most  lavishly  be 
stowed.  The  churches  in  particular  present  a  tinselled  and  gaudy  show  ; 
and  in  any  other  land  where  Catholicism  prevails  the  good  sense  of  its  ad 
herents  would  even  blush  for  the  depraved  taste  of  the  padres  of  the  church 
of  Mexico ;  but  how  great  would  be  their  envy  to  behold  the  enormous  val 
ue  of  the  gold  and  silver  vases,  shrines,  and  other  consecrated  vessels  en 
trusted  to  their  keeping. 

Such  is  a  bird's-eye  view  of  the  architecture  and  general  appearance  of 
the  city  of  Montezuma,  and  without  further  digression  we  will  proceed  with 
our  tale. 

Contiguous  to  the  Plaza  Major,  on  the  street  Espiritu  Santo,  stands  the 
magnificent  palace  of  General  Cascara,  the  wealthiest  grandee  of  the  capital, 
with  its  stained  windows,  carved  balustrades  and  ornamented  balconies, 
and  surrounded  by  a  spacious  and  luxuriant  garden,  containing  an  endless 
variety  of  the  choicest  shrubs  and  plants  of  Mexico,  and  rarest  exotics  from 
almost  every  other  clime.  The  front  balcony  commands  a  view  of  the 
broad  and  palace-bordered  street  and  the  Great  Square,  and  on  all  public 
occasions  it  usually  presents  an  assemblage  of  the  beauty  and  fashion  of 
the  metropolis. 

It  was  Holy-day  week  in  Mexico,  a  period  when  the  city  is  thronged 
with  a  multitude  from  the  rallies  and  mountains  for  leagues  around.     The 
Great  Square,  on  Holy-Thursday,  ere  the  sun  had  illumined  the  gilt-cross 
of  the  cathedral,  swarmed  with  myriads  of  human  beings,  of  all  grades  and 
conditions.     Trafficking,  sporting,  gambling  and  quarrelling   occupied  the 
attention  of  the  greater  number,  while  the  remainder  stood  lazily  by  watch 
ing  the  scene,  and  occasionally  casting  an  impatient  look  through  the  street 
Espiritu  Santo.     As  the  day  advanced  the  multitude  thickened,  arid  the 
hubbub  and  confusion  momentarily  increased.     At  length  from  the  farther 
end  of  the  street  alluded  to,  a  procession  was  descried  approaching  the 
square,  and  clamorous  shouts  followed  the  announcement.     The  various 
occupations  were  Suddenly  discontinued,  and  all  eyes  were  turned  towards 
the  moving  spectacle,  which  had  a  moment  before  issued  from  the  court  of 
the  Acordada,)  or  principal  prison  of  Mexico,  on   its  way  to  Plazuda  de  la 
Cebada,  the  place  of  execution.     Slowly  the  procession  moved  up  the  street 
and  through  the  Great  square,  amid  the  almost  deafening  exultations  of  the 
promiscuous  assemblage.     The  prisoner,  who  wqp  a  young  American,  had 
been  captured  near  Santa  Fe,  and  without  any  apparent  cause  other  than 
the  vending  of  Yankee  knick-knacks,  was  condemned  to  suffer  death  by 
the  garotte.     The  prisoner,  bare-headed,  with  red  locks  streaming  over  his 
shoulders,  walked  bare-footed  in  the  centre  of  a  detachment,  who  goaded 
him  on  with  their  bayonets,  while  he  gave  them  in  return  looks  of  defiance 
and  contempt. 

As  they  passed  the  noble  Cascara's  palace,  the  front  balcony  of  which 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  31 

was  filled  witk  ladies,  and  among  them  shone  most  conspicuously  Doila  I§- 
abella,  the  condemned  turned  his  fyes  imploringly  towards  the  balcony, 
and  encountered  the  pitiful  gaze  of  this  beautiful  lady. 

'Father,' said  Isabella,  to  a  middle-aged  gentleman  who  was  watching 
the  procession  from  the  casement ;  '  that  man  deserves  not  death  !' 

*  You   speak   confidently,  my  child,'  answered  Don  Antonio  Cascara. — 
'  Can  Santa  Anna  condemn  ere  a  man's  guilt  be  proven  ?' 

'  Of  that  I  dare  not  judge,'  resumed  Isabella ;  '  but  there  is  a  certain  some 
thing  in  the  strange  prisoner's  countenance,  which  assures  me  he  would 
not  commit  a  deed  deserving  capital  punishment.  Have  you  not  sufficient 
influence  to  save  him  ?* 

'  No,  child,  he  is  sentenced  to  die  and  the  President  seldom  revokes  his 
will.' 

The  conversation  was  here  interrupted  by  a  new  object  of  attraction,  and 
cries  of  '  Viva  el^Liberta dor  !  Viva  Santa  Jlnna ;!'  filled  the  air  as  a  cavalcade 
halted  at  the  gate  of  Cascara's  palace.  It  consisted  of  the  President,  and 
his  six  Aids-de-camp,  arrayed  in  their  gorgeous  military  dresses,  arid  moun 
ted  upon  their  superb  and  richly-caparisoned  chargers.  The  gates  were 
thrown  open  and  they  entered  the  court,  where  the  illustrious  visitor  and 
retinue  were  received  by  the  grandee  who  escorted  them  to  the  grand  sa 
loon. 

Dona  Isabella  now  entered  and  with  a  supplicating  smile  resting  upon  her 
lovely  features,  approached  the  President,  who  received  her  most  gracious*- 

iy. 

*  Quihcrmosa!  how  lovely!'  said  the  President  as  he  kissed  her  hand. 

*  The  morning  is  indeed  lovely!'  replied  Isabella,  'but  its  loveliness  is 
marred  by  yon  mournful  spectacle  !' 

*  Ay,  Senorita !     You  refer  to  the  execution  of  that  rattle-pated  Yankee 
nwanjo  V 

'Si,  Senor!' 

'The  calavera  may  feel  thankful  that  I  have  appointed  so  pleasant  a  day 
ior  his  execution  !' 

'  Nay,  nay,  your  Excellency  would  not  condemn  the  innocent  ?' 

'  Que,  vaya  en  hora  mara !  Is  he  not  a  Yankee  ?'  ejaculated  Santa  Anna. — 
'  The  fair  Isabella  would  not  plead  for  the  life  of  a  Yankee  ?' 

'I  would  ever  plead  for  the  lives  of  the  innocent?'  replied  Isabella  indig 
nantly.  '  Did  not  his  countrymen  once  spare  thy  life  ?' 

'Be  not  so  severe,  fair  Senorita.  It  is  now  too  late.  The  Yankee  must 
die!' 

'  For  the  love  of  God !'  exclaimed  Isabella,  imploringly,  '  spare  his  life  J — 
"For  my  sake— for  thine  !  It  is  not  yet  too  late  !' 

•  Thus  saying  the  fair  pleader  seized  his  hand,  and  drew  from  hia  finger  a 
ring,  on  which  were  engraved  the  armorial  bearings  of  the  President. 

'  Gracias  !  graclas  /'  cried  she,  as  she  hastened  from  the  room. 


33  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

'Such  beauty  would  move  the  heart  ol  a  tyrant!'  muttered  Santa  Amm. 

lu  another  moment  Dona  Isabella  was  in  a  carnage  which  was  driven 
with  all  possible  speed  towards  the  place  of  execution. 

During  the  brief  interview  of  Santa  Anna  and  the  beauteous  Senorita, 
preparations  were  in  progress  for  the  execution.  The  procession  had  ar 
rived  and  the  obstinate  American,  after  considerable  difficulty,  was  forced 
to  mount  the  scaffold,  where  a  Padre  of  the  church  awaited  to  hear  his  con 
fession,  and  the  executioner  stood  in  readiness  to  perform  the  sanguinary 
duties  of  his  office. 

'  Laus  Deo  /'  said  the  Priest,  approaching  the  prisoner. 

1  How  are  you?'  replied  the  Yankee.  'I  calculate  I  never  saw  your  face 
afore  !  Now  what  mought  your  name  be  ?' 

'Sante padre  de  Francisco  !'  replied  the  priest. 

'Wall,  that  is  rayther  a  long  one;  now  my  name  is  2eb  Short,  rather 
shorter  than  yours,  Mister  Santer  Parderdy  Sarn  Francisco !  That's  a  fine 
piece  o'  silk,  your  gown  is  made  on — I  reckon  that  cost  at  least  live-and-six 
a  yard,  and  no  ' thumbin'gs.'  Now  I  should  jest  like  ter  hear  your  business 
with  me.  If  it's  to  buy  a  n"r*t  rate  time-keeper,  why  it's  no  use  talkiu',  coz 
you  see  the  dirty-llrced  soger-thieves,  not  only  stole  all  the  clocks  but  they 
stole  all  the  other  knick-knacks,  including  myselfl' 

'  Sanle  Madre  de  Dieu?  exclaimed  the  priest  raising  both  hands  in  pious 
horror. 

*  It's  jest  as  true  as  the  book  of  ?»Iaccabees,  Mister  Francisco,  whether  you 
believe  it  or  not,  so  ye  needn't  look  so  tarnation  suspicious.  I  wouldn't  lie  to 
you  any  quicker  than  I  would  to  that  are  hang-dog  cut-throat  looking  chap 
standing  by  that  machine  !  But  it's  no  use  to  talk,  I  can't  trade  with  you 
not  till  I  send  off  to  the  land  of  steady  habits  for  another  lot  o'  real  'eight 
dayers,'  and  no  mistake.' 

'  Jesus !  que  Demonio  !  You  have  but  a  few  moments  to  live !  I  come  to 
pray  with  you !' 

'Oh!  you're  the  parson,  ain't  you  ?'  resumed  the  Yankee.  'Wall  now^ 
that  alters  the  case.  'Fore  I  hear  any  o'  your  prayers,  I  should  jest  like  ter 
know  what  denomination  you  belong  to  ?' 

'To  the  only  true  church  !'  answered  the  priest. 

'That's  what  I  call  dodging  the  question.  What  "platform"  do  you  stand 
upon  ?'  inquired  the  Yankee. 

lDios  de  Cielo  !  Are  you  not  aware  that  we  stand  upon  a  scaffold,  and  at 
the  portal  of  death  ?'  asked  the  priest,  misapprehending  the  word  '  plat 
form.' 

'  Another  dodger,  by  the  great  horn  spoons !  Now,  Mister  Parson  Fran 
cisco,  I  stand  on  the  raal  Simon  Pure  Calvinistic  platform.  If  you're  one 
o'  that  stamp,  why  I'll  hear  what  you  have  to  say.' 

'  Santa  Padre ,'  commenced  the  priest  assuming  a  prayerful  attitude. 

« Hold  on  a  bit,'  interrupted  Zebediah,  looking  grave.     '  I  should  jest  like 


THE  HIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  33 

tu  know,  Mister  Parson,  before  you  proceed  any  farther,  *  if  all  this  ere  show- 
means  any  thing ;  coz  I  kinder  reckon  they've  brought  me  up  here  jest 
ter  see  whether  I  had  any  grit  or  riot !' 

*  In  ten  minutes  you'll  be  in  the  bottomless  pit !'  exclaimed  the  priest  an 
grily. 

'  I  don't  wish  ter  contradict  the  parson  of  this  ere  parish,  but  that'll  de 
pend  pretty  much  on  the  carcumstances  of  the  case.  If  they've  brought 
me  here  'lore  all  these  ere  ragamuffins  thinking  to  frighten  me,  why  I  shall 
be  as  cool  as  a  cowcumber,  and  as  unconsarned  as  a  skeer-crow  in  a  corn 
field.  I'm  not  to  be  skeered  by  a  rigiment  of  sich  cut-throat  looking  vaga 
bonds  !  But  if  they're  in  raal  aruest  arid  mean  to  murder  me,  my  dander 
will  rise  to  sich  a  pitch  that  I'll  lick  the  hull  boodle  on  'em,  the  cap'in  inclu 
ded.  They'll  find  a  Yankee's  life  is  worth  jest  about  as  much  as  the  hull 
lot!' 

*  What  a  devil!     He  is  past  redemption  !'  muttered  the  priest  as  he  de 
scended  from  the  scaffold. 

*  Good  bye,  Mister  Francisco  !'  returned  Zebediah. 

'Picaro — villain — thy  time  has  arrived  !'  said  the  executioner,  sternly,  as 
he  pointed  towards  the  Mexican  guillotine. 

*  What  sort  o'  machine  do  you  call  that?'  asked  Zeb.  'It  don't  look  much 
like  a  Connecticut  invention. 

'The  garotte  !'  replied  the  executioner. 

'  Wall,  1  guess  1  never  seed  one  afore  in  the  hull  course  of  my  life.  I'd 
jest  like  to  understand  the  principles  and  operation  of  that  are  machine.— 
It's  rayther  a  curious  invention,  but  I'll  lay  a  small  wager  a  wooden  clock'll 
beat  it  all  holler.' 

*  Come  !  prepare  thyself!' 

'I'm  prepared  for  any  kind  o'  trade  you'd  like  to  make,  from  a  two  cent 
whistle  to  an  '  eight-dayer !'  What'll  you  take  for  that  are  gun  o'  yourn  ? 
It's  rayther  stubbeder  than  a  Connecticut  4th  July  swivel!  1  reckon  it 
ain't  much  at  a  good  Turkey-shot  distance.  I've  got  a  rifle  at  hum  that'll 
take  the  quirl  from  a  pig's  tail  every  shot !' 

'  Villain  !'  exclaimed  the  executioner,  as  he  seized  the  Yankee  by  the  col 
lar  and  endeavored  to  affix  the  deadly  instrument  about  his  neck. 

'Hands  off!'  said  Zebediah,  at  the  same  time  seizing  him  by  the  throat 
and  tripping  up  his  heels,  which  movement  laid  the  executioner  flat  upon 
his  back.  '  Now  I  see  that  you  .are  in  arnest  and  do  mean  to  murder  me, 
may  I  be  eaten  up  by  maggits  if  I  don't  make  crow's  meat  of  some  on  ye  !» 
continued  he  as  the  guard  rushed  upon  the  scaffold. 

Zebediah  had  seized  the  executioner's  carbine  by  the  barrel,  and  now 
stood  in  a  fearful  attitude  with  the  butt-end  of  it  over  his  head,  causing  the 
guard  to  halt  a  few  paces  before  him. 

'  Come  on  if  ye've  got  any  grit  in  ye,  and  I'll  show  ye  how  Samson  killed 


34  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

the  Philistines  with  the  jaw-bone  of  n  jackass  ;  and  how  the  Yankees  licked 
die  British  at  Bunker-Hill  without  powder  or  hall  ;  and  how  Davy  Crock 
ett  slew  nn  army  of  jist  sich  good-for-nothing  cowardly  cut-throats  as  VOM 
with  nothing  but  a  crazy  old  training  musket  w  '  ut  any  lock !  Oh,  yt: 
needn't  stare  so!  It's  true  !  and  I  can  dew  the  same  thing  tew.  If  you 
eome  one  single  step  furder,TlJ  let  the  daylight  into  some  o'  yer  cocoamits  T 

The  executioner  had  now  regained  his  feet,  and  made  a  second  attempt, 
wkh  the  assistance  of  the  guard,  to  secure  the  prisoner;  in  this  they 
iucceeded.  hut  not  until  he  had  knocked  down  with  the  breech  of  his  gun 
three  or  four  of  the  assailants.  In  one  moment  longer,  the  valiant  Yankee 
would  have  heen  no  more,  had  not  the  executioner's  arm  been  arrested  bv 
a  female  who  appeared  suddenly  upon  the  scaffold.  She  held  up  her  fore 
finger  to  his  view — it  operated  like  a  talisman — Zeb  Short  was  free  ! 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  35 


CHAPTER  VI. 

THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS  IN  MEXICO.     VISIT  TO  SANTA  ANNA.     PRIVATE 
INTERVIEW.     A  VALUABLE  GIFT. 

Among  the  spectators  of  the  singular  scene  in  the  Plazuda  de  la  Cebados 
were  Don  Alvorado  Nunez  and  Don  Manuel  Manrique,  who  had  that 


ing  arrived  at  the  capital.  As  they  were  riding  towards  their  quarteis, 
they  encountered  a  portion  of  the  turbulent  populace  moving  towards  the 
Place  of  Execution,  and  thitherward  they  reined  their  steeds. 

'By  San  lago,  Alvorado,'  said  Don  Manuel,  as  they  entered  the  square; 
*  some  unfortunate  devil  dies  to  day!  See,  the  garotte  is  prepared,  and 
there  stands  a  holy  father  and  an  executioner  cheek  by  jowl !  and  beneath 
them  the  gaping,  beggarly  scum  of  the  metropolis  !' 

'  Another  victim  to  the  tyranny  of  the  despot,  I  dare  be  sworn!'  replied 
Don  Alvorado. 

4  Speak  not  so  loud,  we  may  be  overheard.  Treason  must  not  be  spoken 
openly  in  the  streets  of  Mexico.' 

1  Call  you  that  treason,  Manrique?  Methinks  this  must  be  an  inquisitorial 
age,  and  that  we  live  under  an  absolute  monarchy,  instead  of  a  Republican 
form  of  government, where  power  is  derived  from  the  people!' 

'  Be  silent,  cousin,  1  intreat  thee!  Santa  Anna,  like  Dionysius,  hears  all 
that  can  be  construed  into  treason!  But  see,  the  procession  comes.  The 
condemned  looks  not  like  a  Mexican — nor  a  Spaniard — nor  a  Frenchman. 
He's  an  American  !' 

*Ou  rny  life,  then,  a  true  Republican  !'  added  Nunez,  enthusiastically. — 
'Santa  Anna  hates  America  and  her  liberty-loving  people!' 

*  You  must  use  more  discretion,  Alvorado,  or  I  cannot  ensure  thy  safety, 
replied  Don  Manuel,  angrily. 

4 Not  so,  Manrique  !  I'll  stake  my  life  that  the  American  is  innocent  of 
any  crime  whatsover.  Mark  his  countenance!  Is  not  honesty  strongly 
depicted  there  ?  and  by  my  faith,  courage,  too  ?' 

*  By  San  Lorenzo !  he  takes  it  coolly  !'  said  Manriqne.     *  He  looks  upon 
the  scene  as  complacently  as  if  it  were  a  wedding,  ai  d  be  the   happiest  of 
bridegrooms?     See  the  indifferent  smile  he  bestows  oc<  asio;  ally  upon  his 
guard.     They  have  halted— he  ascends  the  scaffold  reluctantly— the  soldiers 
spur  him  up!     The  priest  speaks  to  him.     By  my  soul,  I  believe  he  jests 

3 


86  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

with  the  holy  padre !  The  executioner  points  to  the  deadly  instrument. 
He  is  now  talking  to  him.  Well,  that  is  decidedly  the  most  deliberate  spec 
imen  of  coolness  I  ever  witnessed.  Once  in  the  executioner's  hands  his 
neck  will  break  in  a  brinco !  Dios  de  Cielo  !  he  seems  determined  to  fight. 
Sure  enough,  there's  a  tumult!  Que  Demonio!' 

While  Manrique  was  giving  utterance  to  these  expressions,  Don  Alvora- 
do's  gnze  was  following  the  movements  of  a  lady,  who  had  a  moment  pre 
viously  passed  by  him  in  a  carriage,  and  who  seemed  to  scrutinize  his  fea 
tures  with  intense  interest  as  she  moved  along.  He  could  see  nothing  but 
her  eyes,  for  her  other  features  were  concealed  beneath  a  veil ;  but  there 
was  a  certain  indescribable  expression  in  those  dark  lustrous  orbs  that  con 
vinced  him  he  was  recognized,  notwithstanding  the  precaution  he  had  taken 
to  disguise  himself.  To  his  utter  amazement  he  saw  her  alight  from  the 
carriage  and  make  her  way  through  the  wretched  mass  to  the  scaffold. — 
She  had  reached  the  steps  ere  she  was  observed  by  his  companions. 

*  Santa  Maria !'  exclaimed   Don   Manuel.     Look!  a  lady  appears  upon 
the  scaifold!     That  dignified  figure — that  step — surely  I  cannot  err  !     It  is 
Dona  Isabella  de  Cascara  !' 

'  W'hat  can  have  brought  the  lady  Isabella  hither  ?' 

*  She  holds  her  finger  towards  the  executioner !' 

1  Si,  si,  he  is  pardoned!  Laus  Deo  !'  exclaimed  Don  Alvorado, rapturous 
ly.  *  An  angel  of  love  upon  an  errand  of  mercy !' 

The  disappointed  crowd  were  now  dispersing,  while  the  disguised  cava 
liers  watched  intently  the  movements  of  Dona  Isabella.  She  descended 
from  the  scaffold  followed  by  the  courageous  Yankee,  who  was  meanwhile 
lavishing  his  thanks  upon  her  for  her  intercession,  and  complimenting  in 
his  crude  manner  her  wondrous  beauty.  Before  she  seated  herself  in  the 
carriage,  she  gave  hirn  her  father's  address,  and  bade  him  repair  to  the  pal 
ace  forthwith. 

Again  she  rode  by  the  disguised  cavaliers,  and  more  intently  than  before 
gazed  upon  Senor  Nunez,  which  circumstance  did  not  this  time  escape  the 
notice  of  Don  Manuel. 

At  length  the  Plazuela  was  nearly  deserted,  and  our  cavaliers  took  their 
way  towards  the  Gran  Sociedad,  at  the  corner  of  the  two  principal  streets, 
Espiritu  Santo  and  del  Refugio,  where  each  secured  a  suite  of  private  apart 
ments.  Manrique  proposed  to  Nunez  an  immediate  visit  to  the  president, 
and  after  apparelling  themselves  in  a  suitable  manner,  a  carriage  was  or 
dered  and  they  proceeded  together  towards  the  palace  of  the  supreme  Ex 
ecutive  of  the  Republic.  On  their  arrival  Don  Manuel,  in  an  authoritative 
tone  demanded  admission  to  the  reception-room,  which  was  quickly  grant 
ed  on  his  displaying  the  ring  upon  fore-finger. 

His  Excellency  Antonio  Lopez  de  Santa  Anna,  surrounded  by  his  six 
Aid-de-camps  and  other  official  dignitaries,  all  arrayed  in  their  splendid 
military  uniforms,  was  seated  under  a  canopy  of  crimson  velvet,  ornament- 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  37 

I 

ed  with  gold  and  silver,  awaiting  the  entrance  of  the  cavaliers  who  were 
announced.     Don  Manuel  first  entered  and  saluted  the  President. 

*  Welcome,  Sefior !'  said  Santa  Anna,  rising.     '  You  have  arrived  in  good 
time. 

'  Many  thanks!'  replied  Manrique.  'I  crave  a  private  audience  with  your 
Excellency. 

*  At  your  service,  Senor,'  replied  the  president ;  and  waving  his  hand  to 
the  officers  in  attendance  they  retired  from  the  apartment. 

1  The  gallant  Colonel  Nunez,  whom  you  have  long  desired  to  meet,  I 
have  at  length  prevailed  upon  to  visit  your  Excellency,'  said  Manrique.  He 
is  yet  an  enemy  of  thine,  but  I  have  a  strong  hope  that  he  may  be  induced 
to  enlist  in  thy  service.' 

'  Bid  thy  friend'  approach.  The  zeal  and  faithfulness  which  you  manifest 
an  our  behalf  shall  not  pass  unrewarded.' 

The  bandit  chief  now  summoned  Nunez  from  the  ante-room,  who  ap 
proached  the  president,  and  was  received  by  him  with  that  winning  smile 
which  he  is  capable  of  forcing  into  his  countenance  whenever  it  is  required. 

'  Of  all  men  in  Mexico  I  have  most  desired  thy  acquaintance  and  friend 
ship,'  said  he. 

'Your  Excellency  does  me  much  honor !'  replied  Don  Alvorado. 

'We  have  long  been  political  enemies,  Seiior  Nunez  ?'  said  Santa  Anna, 
enquiringly. 

*  Si,  your  Excellency.'  ^, 

*  I  trust  the  time  is  not  far  distant  when  we  may  meet  as  friends? 

I  Your  Excellency  is  condescending.     I  desire  peace  with  all  mankind.' 

I 1  have  heard  much  of  thy  gallant  behavior  in  Gautemala  ;  and  have 
learned  that  thy  cavaliers  are  brave  and  well  disciplined.' 

'I  can  bear  testimony  to. the  truth  of  what  you  have  heard,'  remarked  the 
bandit.  '  They  are,  indeed,  gallant  fellows  ;  and  in  the  maintenance  of  the 
defence  and  safety  and  tranquility  of  the  Republic,  they  would  prove  more 
efficient  than  ten  times  their  number  of  any  cavalry  in  Mexico.' 

'  I  doubt  it  not,  Senor,'  replied  the  President.  '  Colonel  Nunez,  I  desire 
to  enlist  thyself  and  force  in  the  cause  of  the  Republic.  You  have  but  to 
name  the  conditions  and  our  compact  shall  be  forthwith  executed. 

*  I  am  not  prepared  at  this  time  to  make  a  proposal.' 

'  Believe  me,  thou  shalt  fare  well  at  our  hands.  I  promise  to  restore  to 
thee  the  confiscated  estates  which  thy  deceased  father  once  held;  one  hun 
dred  takgas  in  silver ;  a  high  rank  in  our  army,  and  any  other  favor  within 
my  official  capacity  to  grant.' 

c  Your  Excellency  is,  indeed,  lavish  of  his  gifts.  I  beg  leave,  however,  a 
few  days  to  consider  the  matter,  and  communicate  with  my  subordinates.' 

'  I  grant  thee  ten  days  !'  resumed  the  President.  '  If  at  the  expiration  of 
that  period  my  proposal  is  accepted,  report  thyself  at  the  palace.  If  how 
ever  it  is  rejected,  I  give  thee  ten  hours  longer  to  leave  the  capital,  and  five 


38  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

days  to  leave  the  Republic  !  Take  this  ring,'  continued  he,  '  it  is  my  signet 
— it  will  serve  thee  until  the  time  shall  have  expired.' 

*I  thauk  thee.  Thy  exceedingly  generous  proposal  shall  have  its  due 
weight,'  replied  Nunez.  '  Buenas  tardes,  Excellentisimo  Senor,'  added  h<? 
as  he  arose  to  depart. 

'Buenos  dias,  Colonel,1  replied  Santa  Anna. 

The  President  and  Manrique  being  now  alone,  the  latter  took  from  a  cas 
ket  a  diamond  tiara  of  great  value  and  pVeseiited  iito  his  excellency,  for  his 
daughter. 

4  This  jewel,'  remarked  Manrique,  'will  become  the  fair  brow  of  the  Se~ 
norita  de  Santa  Anna.' 

The  President  received  the  precious  gift,  and  declared  that  the  diamonds 
excelled  in  lustre  and  value  any  that  he  had  ever  beheld,  and  promised  thai 
the  Senorita  should  wear  them  at  the  great  ball  to  be  given  in  a  few  weeks 
at  the  Jlfineria  in  honor  of  himself. 

*  In  ten  days,'  continued  Manrique,  (a  remittance  of  gold  and  silver  and 
precious  stones  will  be  sent  thee,  amounting  in  value  to  nearly  five  hundred 
talegas,  thy  full  proportion  of  our  labors,' 

The  President  expressed  his  surprise  at  the  wonderful  success  of  tire 
Brigands,  and  made  new  promises  to  afford  them  every  protection  in  his 
power.  He  then  alluded  to  his  promise  previously  made  to  Manrique 
touching  the  beauteous  Isabella  de  Cascara,  and  informed  him  that  he  had 
broached  the  subject  to  the  General,  who  regarded  the  matter  favorably, 
and  that  he  would  continue  to  urge  the  matter  with  that  gentleman,  and  had 
no  doubt  of  his  ultimate  success. 

A  company  of  distinguished  visitors  being  now  announced,  Don  Man- 
ruel  took  his  departure,  and  repaired  to  the  Gran  Sociedad,  whither  Nunez 
had  preceded  him. 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  39 


CHAPTER  VII. 


ZEB  SHORT  VISITS  ALVORADO  NUNEZ.  THE  JoYOtrs  SUMMONS.  THE 
INTERVIEW.  ISABELLA  DE  CASCARA.  STARTLING  REVELATION.  THE 
ATTEMPT  AT  ASSASSINATION. 


On  the  third  evening  subsequent  to  the  events  of  the  last  chapter,  Alvo 
rado  Nunez  was  seated  at  an  open  window  of  his  apartments,  which  over 
looked  the  palace-gardens  of  the  rich  and  powerful  Cascara.  The  full  moon 
arose  from  her  orient  bed,  and  shed  her  silvery  brightness  upon  the  many 
spires  and  domes  of  the  Mexican  capital ;  the  stars  twinkled  like  diamonds 
from  their  spheres,  and  the  vast  expanse  above  was  without  a  cloud  or 
speck  to  mar  its  translucence.  It  was,  indeed,  a  lovely  night;  and  as  Al- 
vorado  rested  upon  the  casement,  he  listened  to  the  song  of  a  fair  Se- 
norita,  whose  ravishing  tones  came  forth  from  a  bower  of  the  garden  but 
a  short  distance  from  him.  At  length  the  last  sound  ceased,  and  a  female 
figure,  arrayed  in  white,  glided  along  the  flower-bordered  path,  and  thrice 
it  passed  beneath  his  window.  Nunez  doubted  not  that  this  was  the  form  of 
the  fair  Isabella,  whom  he  had  not  seen  since  his  arrival  in  the  city,  deem 
ing  her  lost  to  hirn,  on  account  of  her  father's  having  espoused  the  cause  of 
Santa  Anna,  and  his  detested  rival's  influence  with  the  usurper.  For  the 
space  of  half  an  hour  he  watched  the  garden  walks,  hoping  again  to  catch 
a  glimpse  of  the  fair  being  who  haunted  his  miad,  when  a  rap  upon  the 
tloor  startled  him.  He  arose  and  opened  it,  when  the  honest  features 
of  Zebediah  Short,  the  pugnacious  Yankee,  were  revealed  to  him.  It  in 
stantly  occurred  to  Nunez  that  this  visitor  was  a  messenger  from  Dona  Isa 
belli. 

*  How  d'ye  dew,'  said  Zeb,'  as  he  took  off  his  broad-brimmed  hat. 
'  Walk  in,  Senor,'  said  Don  Alvorado. 

4  That's  not  my  name— Zeb  Short  if  you  please.     What  may  I  venter  to 
call  your  name  ?' 
'  Alvorado  Nunez !' 

*  Then  you're  the  chap  I've  been  lookin'  arter  all  over  this  tarnal  gr  ea 
city,  and  if  you  hadn't  been  star-gazing  out  o'  that  ere  winder  this  evenin,' 

6  6  , 


40  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

1  might  ha'  hunted  till  the  next  Fourth  o'  July  and  not  hare  found  hide  nor 
hair  on  ye.' 

*  Well,  sir,  now  that  you  have  found  me  I  am  at  your  service,'  replied  Al- 
vorado. 

'  Wall,  now  I  spose  that's  as  much  as  to  say  you'd  be  glad  to  have  me  ex 
plain  my  business. 

'Precisely  so,  sir.' 

Zeb  fumbled  over  his  pockets  and  taking  out  a  greasy  looking  paper  he 
unfolded  it  and  produced  a  neat  rose-scented  billet-doux.  *  I  reckon  this 
letter'll  explain  the  hull  business. 

Nunez  took  the  missive  and  read  as  follows. 

"  Tuesday  eve'g,  9th  Sept. 
Mi  querido  Alvorado  — 

Notwithstanding  thy  disguise  I  easily  recognized  thee.  I  tremble,  Alvo- 
rado,  for  thy  safety,  and  advise  that  every  precaution  be  taken  lest  thy  ene 
mies  discover  thee.  I  dare  not  ask  thee  to  come  openly  to  the  palace,  but 
if  you  would  see  me,  be  guided  by  the  faithful  American.  He  will  lead 
thee  to  a  place  in  the  garden,  where  I  shall  await  thy  coming. 

Thine,  forever, 

ISABELLA." 

He  pressed  the  note  to  his  lips,  and  hastily  prepared  to  obey  the  sum 
mons  of  love.  The  gloomy  forebodings  which  had  dwelt  upon  his  mind 
now  gave  place  to  happier  emotions. 

'  Here's  a  purse  of  gold  for  thy  fidelity,'  said  Nunez.  *  Lead  the  way,  I 
will  follow.' 

*  Real  yellow-boys,  and  no  mistake  !'  replied  Zeb  in  exstacies,  as  he  ex 
amined  the  contents  of  his  purse.     '  I'll  follow  you  and  Miss  Isabel  to  the 
eend  o'  the  airth,  and  fight  till  I  die  for  ye.     Come  along,  I'll  lead  ye  into  a 
small  pocket-edition  of  paradise  in  about  three  minutes  !    There's  my  sweet 
heart,  Nance  Buttercup,  who  lives  in  Conneticut — I  don't  spose  you  was  ev 
er  in  the  land  o'  steady  habits — wall,  she's  the  handsomest  critter  that  I  ev 
er  sot  eyes  on.  but  she's  no  more  to  be  compared  to  Miss  Isabel  than  a  but 
tercup  is  to  a  full-blown  rosy.' 

Don  Alvorado,  and  the  voluble  Yankee  issued  from  the  Gran  Sociedad, 
entered  the  palace-garden,  and  pursued  their  way  stealthily  along  through 
the  thick  shrubbery  until  they  approached  a  latticed  bower  in  a  secluded 
part  of  the  garden,  where  the  lovers  met,  and  after  the  first  ebullition  offer- 
vent  love  had  subsided,  Nunez  recounted  the  various  events  which  .had 
transpired  since  their  last  meeting,  and  also  the  cause  of  his  visit  to  the  cap 
ital.  Eagerly  did  Dona  Isabella  listen  to  the  scenes  of  deadly  strife  and 
peril  in  which  he  had  acted  a  conspicuous  part ;  and  many  a  sympathetic- 
tear  stole  down  her  fair  cheeks  during  the  recital. 

The  daughter  of  the  grandee  was  a  being  possessed  of  no  ordinary  per 
sonal  charms,  and  we  marvel  not  that  she  had  captivated  our  stout-hearted, 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  41 

gallant  and  brave  hero  on  their  first  meeting,  which  had  occured  two  years 
previously  at  a  fete  at  the  palace  of  Bustamente,  while  that  true  hearted 
patriot  was  at  the  head  of  the  National  Government.  Isabella  had  now 
reached  her  eighteenth  year,  and  being  endowed  with  high  intellectual  pow 
ers,  she  had  readily  acquired  all  those  accomplishments  befitting  her  high 
rank,  and  which  so  much  adorn  female  character  ;  and  she  had  also  made 
it  her  study  to  promote  the  happiness  and  comfort  of  her  parents,  and  be 
ing  an  only  child  she  was  almost  worshipped  £y  them.  It  was  not  the  rare 
intellectual  qualities  she  possessed,  nor  the  accomplishments  she  had  ac 
quired,  nor  the  gentleness  and  amability  of  her  disposition,  that  made  her 
the  theme  of  admiration  and  adulation  among  the  gay  noblesse  of  the  capi 
tal,  but  for  her  transcendant  loveliness,  which  outshone  the  fairest  beauties 
of  the  land.  The  most  symmetrical  nymph-like  creations  of  the  immortal 
artists  of  Greece  and  Rome,  would  not,  in  emulation  with  her,  have  borne 
away  the  victory  for  gracefulness  of  mien  and  symmetry  of  figure.  Her 
eyes  too  were  dark  and  lustrous  as  the  gazelle's ;  her  complexion  clear  as  al 
abaster;  and  the  dimpled  cheek,  the  rose-colored  lips,  and  a  perfect  sett  of 
pearly- white  teeth  lent  to  her  smile  an  undefinable  sweetness  that  was  irre 
sistibly  captivating.  Her  hair  of  raven  hue  flowed  luxuriantly  over  her 
snowy-white  neck  and  shoulders,  completing  the  outline  of  her  graceful 
figure.  Such  a  being  was  Isabella  de  Cascara,  the  betrothed  of  him  who 
was  now  seated  by  her  side  clasping  her  small  delicate  hand  within  his 
own. 

'I  thank  Heaven,  Alvorado,' said  the  Senorita,  '  that  thy  life  has  been 
spared  through  so  many  sanguinary  conflicts;  and  it  gives  me  ineffable  joy 
once  more  to  see  thee !' 

'  Gladly  would  I  again  expose  my  life  for  moments  of  bliss  like  these  !' 
'Nay,  nay,  hazard  nothing.    I  fear  now  that  thy  visit  to  Mexico,  among 
powerful  enemies,  may  prove  thy  destruction.     Trust  not   the  perfidious 
Manrique,  albeit  he  is  thy  kinsman  and  seemeth  thy  friend  !' 

*  Fear  not,  my  beloved.     I  have  watched  his  movements  well.' 

*  He  is  almost  constantly  with  my  father.     He  claims  my  hand,  Alvorado, 
and  through  the  influence  of  the  President,  I  fear  he  may  be  prevailed  upon 
yield  his  consent.' 

*  And  thou,  Isabella » 

*  Will  die,  ere  I  become  his  bride  !' 

'The  presumptuous  villain!  I  marvel  that  I  have  not,  ere  this,  annihi 
lated  him !' 

'  Be  discreet,  Alvorado.  All  may  yet  be  well.  My  father  likes  him  not, 
and  would  not  cheaply  sacrifice  me.  When  he  has  left  the  palace,  you 
shall  be  introduced  to  my  father.  He  knew  thy  sire  well,  and  hath  heard 
good  report  of  thee.' 

Zebediah  Short,  who  acted  as  sentinel  to  the  bower,  was  now  summoned, 
and  despatched  to  the  palace  to  ascertain  when  Manrique  should  take  his 
leave.  Half  an  hour  elapsed  ere  the  Yankee  returned,  but  to  the  blis»O>J 


42  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

overs  it  seemed  but  momentary.  They  now  proceeded  to  the  palace, 
and  entered  the  audience  apartment  of  General  Cascura,  where  they  found 
him  alone.  Isabella  presented  Alvorado  to  her  father,  who  though  evident 
ly  surprised  upon  hearing  his  name,  received  him  courteously. 

1  General  Cascarn  !  Can  it  be  possible  ?'  ejaculated  Nunez,  startled  at  the 
resemblance  he  bore  to  the  individual  whom  he  had  succored  in  the  har- 
ranca  of  the  Black  Forest. 

'Buena  venida!'  said  the  General.  Pray  be  seated — I  knew  thy  father 
well — he  wns  a  brave  and  good  man  ;  and  I  have  heard  much  to  commend 
of  thee.  Were  a  price  not  set  upon  thy  head  1  should  be  better  pleased  to 
see  thee  now,  for  1  fear  much  for  thy  safety.' 

*  For  ten  days  at  least  I  am  secure  from  arrest!'  remarked  Alvorado. 
4  What  security  ?'  asked  Cascara. 

4  The  signet  of  the  President?'  answered  Alvorado,  as  he  displayed  the 
fore-finger  of  his  right  hand. 

Cascara  shook  his  head,  as  if  doubting  the  virtue  of  the  jewel. 

4  Ah  !  what  do  I  see  ?'  he  exclaimed  in  a  startled  manner.  '  Excuse  me,* 
continued  he,  as  he  withdrew  his  eyes  from  a  diamond  that  sparkled  be 
side  the  signet. 

*  Mistaken  in  what,  dear  father  ?' asked  the  Sefiorita,  eagerly. 

'  I  ask  thy  pardon,  caballero,'  said  the  grandee,  *  1  was  struck  by  the  bril 
liancy  of  a  diamond  ring  upon  your  finger.' 

'Santa  Maria!'  ejaculated  Isabella ;  how  much  it  resembles  the  one  that  I 
gave  to  the  gallant ' 

*  Please  examine  it !'  interrupted  Nunez,  handing  the  ring  to  Isabella.    'It 
""was  presented  me  by  a  lady  whom  I  had  rendered  a  trifling  service.' 

'And  that  lady  was ' 

*  To  me  a  perfect  strange?,'  added  Nunez.     '  She  would   not  unveil  her 
features — therefore  I  was  deprived  the  pleasure  of  knowing  from  whom  I 
teceived  the  precious  gem.' 

•It  is  the  same, dear  lather!'  cried  Isabella,  as  she  again  placed  the  ring 
upon  his  finger.  *  It  was,  indeed,  Alvorado  Nunez  who  saved  our  lives  and 
our  treasures !' 

'Is  it  possible,  that  we  have  met  unbeknown  to  each  other,  Isabella  ? — 
True — it  must  be  so — when  I  first  entered  the  room,  1  was  struck  with 
the  resemblance  your  father  bore  to  one  whom  I  had  encountered  some 
where  in  a  scene  of  danger !' 

'Blessings  be  upon  thee,  brave  youth !'  exclaimed  the  grandee.  'But  for 
thy  timely  succor  we  should  inevitably  have  perished!  Never  shall  I  for 
get  that  dark  ravine — that  awful  scene  of  peril !  Oftentimes  have  1  repent 
ed  that  I  did  not  take  thy  word  and  advice.  We  owe  thee  more  than  our 
eternal  gratitude !  Speak  but  thy  wishes  and  by  our  holy  faith  if  within 
my  power  they  shall  be  gratified  !' 

'Thanks,  noble  Cascara!' replied  Alvorado.  ' I  have  now  but  one  favor 
to  ask.' 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  43 

1  Name  it !' 

'Pledge  me  thy  word'that  Don  Manuel  Manrique  shall  never  have  thy 
consent  to  wed  the  Senorita  de  Cascara!' 

' 1  do  promise  1'  said  the  grandee,  taking  Alvorado's  hand ;  'and  may  the 
vengeance  of  a  just  deity  be  upon  me  whenever  I  revoke  the  pledge!' 

4 Enough!  I  am  satisfied!'  replied  Nunez. 

'  Father,  you  have  made  me  happy !'  said  Isabella,  as  she  threw  her  arms 
about  his  neck  and  kissed  his  wrinkled  brow. 

*  Twice,'  at  length  said  the  grandee,  'have  I  been  attacked  near  the  Star- 
Mountain.     I  trust  that  the  day  is  net  far  distant  when  a  traveller  may  pur 
sue  his  way  through  any  part  of  Mexico  .without  apprehending  danger  at 
every  step.' 

'  Amen !'  responded  Nunez.  '  But  I  fear  such  a  state  of  things  will  not 
exist  in  our  day  and  generation.' 

i  It  was  near  the  Star-Mountain,  father,  that  my  mother  was  robbed  ot  a 
tiara  of  beautiful  diamonds, 'remarked  the  Sefiorita. 

'Indeed  !'  exclaimed  Nunez,  for  he  remembered  the  precious  jewel  that 
Manrique  had  shown  him. 

*  Know  you  the  leader  of  the  robbers  who  attacked  us?' enquired  the 
grandee. 

'  Si,  Senor,  I  know  him  well !  and  he  shall  yet  be  known  to  thee !  Suffice  it 
now  to  say  that  he  is  under  the  protection  of  the  President ;  and  I  have 
good  cause  to  believe  that  in  consideration  thereof,  he  pays  his  master  trib 
ute  at  the  government  palace!' 

'By  my  faith,  thy  words  astound  me  !'  exclaimed  the  grandee  ;  'and  yet 
I  feel  their  truth.  The  treachery  of  the  government  troops  "who  acted  as  my 
escort  perhaps  can  now  be  accounted  for.  It  is  yet  a  mystery  what  has  be 
come  of  them — they  have  not  reported  themselves  at  the  citadel,  nor  has 
one  of  their  number  ever  baen  heard  from  !' 

'And  never  will,  be  assured!  They  were  cut  in  pieces  in  ten  minutes 
after  their  perfidy  by  my  orders.  Not  one  escaped!' 

'  Dios  de  Cielo!  A  just  punishment.  Henceforth,  Alvorado  Nunez,  ac 
count  me  a  foe  to  the  existing  powers  of  Mexico!  I'll  no  longer  be  duped 
by  the  cunning  persuasiveness  of  the  despot!' 

'  Give  me  thy  hand,  General !'  said  Nunez,  warmly.  'The  day  is  not  far 
distant  when  the  chains  which  now  bind  Mexico  to  the  dust  slmll  he  rent  in 
twain  !  Let  us  arise  iiTbur  might  and  hurl  the  tyrant  from  the  high  and 
responsible  station  which  he  has  usurped.' 

Isabella  now  bade  her  father  and  lover  good  night,  and  retired.  Long 
•after  midnight  did  Cascara  and  Nunez  commune  together  upon  the  noble 
cause  of  freeing  their  country  from  the  sway  of  the  despot. 

It  was  on  this  occasion  that  the  grandee  sanctioned  the  loves  of  Alvora 
do  and  Isabella,  and  promised  that  their  nuptials  should  be  celebrated  soon 
as  the  contemplated  revolution  should  be  effected. 

As  Nunez  was  leaving  the  court  of  the  palace,  he  heard  the  rustling  of 


44  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

leaves  proceeding  from  a  clump  of  bushes  almost  directly  in  his  path.  In 
stantly  he  drew  his  rapier,  and  as  he  passed  the  point  which  drew  his  atten 
tion,  a  figure,  enveloped  in  a  cloak,  sprung  upon  him  and  endeavored  to 
plunge  a  stiletto  into  his  bosom.  Nunez  arrested  the  assassin's  hand,  and 
with  a  single  stroke  of  his  rapier,  severed  the  fingers  which  held  the  stillet- 
to  from  the  hand,  and  they  dropped  to  the  earth  !  The  assassin  uttered  an 
unearthly  yell,  and  with  a  rush  bounded  from  the  garden  !  Nunez  gather 
ed  up  the  amputated  fingers  and  stiletto,  and  placing  them  in  his  handker 
chief,  he  continued  his  way  and  reached  his  apartments  without  being  again 
molested. 

Judge  of  the  surprise  of  Nunez,  .when,  on  examining  the  contents  of  his 
handkerchief,  he  found  upon  one  of  the  fingers,  a  ring  corresponding  with 
the  signet  he  had  received  from  Santa  Anna!  and  he  doubted  not  that  the 
assassin  was  none  other  than  the  Bandit  Chief! 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  4a 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

MANRIQUE  SWEARS  THE  DESTRUCTION  OF  CASCARA  AND  NUNEZ.  INTER 
VIEW  WITH  SANTA  ANNA.  THE  PLOT  TO  SEIZE  THE  MOUNTAIN  CAS 
TLE.  NUNEZ  ARRESTED.  THE  COUNTERPLOT.  EFFICIENT  ACTION  OF 
ZEE  SHORT.  His  BOLD  ADVENTURES.  THE  SIEGE.  DEFEAT  OF  THE 
ASSAILANTS. 

To  account  for  the  singular  attempt  at  assassination  mentioned  in  the 
conclusion  of  the  previous  chapter,  the  reader  will  recollect  that  Manrique 
was  at  the  palace  in  the  early  part  of  the  evening ;  and  it  being  known  to 
him  that  Isabella  was  in  the  garden,  he  strongly  suspected  that  she  was 
holding  *  sweet  communion'  with  a  rival,  and  he  at  once  resolved  to  know 
who  the  favored  one  was.  Leaving  the  palace  much  earlier  than  usual,  he 
concealed  himself  near  by  a  path  which  he  knew  they  must  pass.  Soon 
the  lovers  appeared,  and  to  his  surprise  he  saw  the  beauteous  Isabella  lean 
ing  fondly  upon  the  arm  of  Alvorado  Nunez.  Jealousy  and  rage  now  kin 
dled  in  his  bosom,  and  he  vowed  within  himself  to  seek  a  fearful  vengeance 
ere  he  slept.  Hastening  to  his  lodgings  he  disguised  himself,  and  returned 
to  the  garden.  Stealthily  he  entered  the  palace,  and  sought  concealment 
behind  the  heavy  drapery  of  a  window  in  an  ante-room  adjoining  the  apart 
ment  where  the  grandee,  his  daughter  and  Nunez  were  seated,  and  here 
the  startling  developments  of  their  interview  fell  like  molten  lead  upon  his 
heart.  On  hearing  Nunez  arise  to  depart,  he  hastened  out  before  him  and 
again  concealed  himself  among  the  garden  shrubbery.  What  followed  is 
already  known  to  the  reader. 

Early  on  the  morning  subsequent  to  the  intended  murder,  Manrique  arose 
from  his  couch  where  he  had  spent  an  hour  or  two  of  feverish  restlessness, 
and  ordering  a  carriage,  drove  to  the  house  of  a  surgeon,  where  he  un 
bound  his  mutilated  hand  and  displayed  it  to  the  surgeon.  Two  fingers 
from  the  right  hand  were  gone,  and  a  third  hung  by  the  tendons.  The 
wounds  were  dressed,  and  the  excruciating  pain  being  somewhat  assauged, 
he  forthwith  repaired  to  a  hotel  in  a  secluded  part  of  the  city,  where  he 
remained  until  he  had  recovered  from  the  debility  which  the  loss  of  blood 
and  sleep  had  caused  him. 

Here  ha  had  an  opportunity  to  contemplate  the  events  of  the  few  past 


4G  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

days  and  their  probable  consequences,  and  to  originate  plans  for  his  future 
guidance. 

4  By  heavens  an  awful  retribution  awaits  them  !'  muttered  he  with  clench 
ed  teeth,  as  he  paced  the  floor.  'Yes!  it  must  be  so  !  To  Santa  Anna  will 
I  reveal  all!  Nunez  shall  be  taken  care  of  first!  and  then  the  hoarv-head- 
ed  old  villain  shall  be  thrust  into  the  Acordada  !  Once  there  his  daughter's 
hand  shall  be  the  price  of  his  release  !  If  he  refuse,  the  garotte !  the  exe 
cutioner !  shall  bend  him  to  my  will!  He  has  pledged  his  daughter  to  Nu 
nez!  Ha!  ha!  iny  gallant  kinsman  ?nust  die  !  But  how  to  regain  posses 
sion  of  my  mountain  castle  ?  I  have  it!' continued  heat  length.  'I  must 
prevail  upon  the  President  for  a  detachment  of  troops  to  surprise  it:  and  to 
make  the  attack  doubly  sure,  I  will  despatch  a  trusty  messenger  to  Garcila- 
zo,  who  will  cooperate  with  the  government  troops  on  their  arrival.  Yes, 
the  plan  is  feasible,  and  1  will  forthwith  repair  to  the  palace,  and  lay  the 
subject  before  the  President.' 

Saying  this,  the  Bandit  Chief,  with  his  mutilated  hand  resting  in  a  sling, 
issued  into  the  street  and  bent  his  steps  towards  the  government  palace  on 
foot.  He  gained  access  to  the  President  immediately  on  his  arrival,  and 
requesting  a  private  interview  they  retired  into  a  small  apartment. 

'  I  have  astounding  intelligence  for  your  ears!'  said  Manrique  as  they 
seated  themselves.  '  Know  ye,  that  General  Cascara's  escort  was  cut  to 
pieces  by  order  of  Alvorado  Nunez !' 

'Ha!  How's  this?  Did  not  you  introduce  him  to  our  presence?'  de 
manded  Santa  Anna. 

'  I  did,  your  Excellency ;  but  it  was  ere  I  had  heard  this  startling  intelli 
gence.  Ii  was  during  an  interview  with  General  Cascara  that  he  confessed 
it  in  my  hearing.' 

'  Knew  you  not  of  this  before  ?'  enquired  Santa  Anna  in  a  tone  of  doubt 
and  suspicion. 

'  No  !  your  Excellency  !'  replied  Manrique,  firmly.  '  I  afterwards  charged 
Nunez  with  the  deed — he  denied  it — whereupon,  a  quarrel  ensued,  and  I 
suffered  the  loss  of  two  fingers  from  my  sword-hand  in  the  encounter  ! — 
Here  is  the  proof!'  added  he,  displaying  his  wounded  hand. 

'  Enough !  I  am  convinced  !  1  will  issue  an  order  for  his  immediate  ar 
rest,  and  revoke  the  protection  I  gave  him  !' 

'I  have  other  important  intelligence  to  communicate!'  said  Manrique. 

'I  am  all  attention,  good  Senor  Manrique.     I  pray  thee,  proceed.' 

'  Genernl  Antonio  de  Cascara  is  thine  enemy  !     He  seeks  thy  overthrow  f 

'  Ha !  Cascara  a  traitor  ?'  ejaculated  Santa  Anna.  '  By  San  Diego.  I  have 
already  entertained  suspicions  of  him  !  How  learned  you  this?' 

'l5n  entering  his  palace,  late  at  night,  I  heard  the  voices  of  the  grandee 
and  Nunez.  I  stopped  and  listened,  and  heard  them  swear  thy  overthrow  ! 
They  branded  thee  with  the  epithets  of  tyrant,  despot,  usurper  and  robber!' 

'  Ha  !  said  they  so  !  My  vengeance  shall  surely  overtake  them  !'  and  San 
ta  Anna  rung  for  his  private  Secretary,  who  was  ordered  to  execute  a  war- 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  47 

rant  for  the  arrest  of  Alvorado  Nunez.  'Ere  to-morrow's  sun  hath  set, 
Cascara  shall  follow  him:  Thus  shall  be  the  fate  of  all  who  oppose  me  !' 

jfaanrique  now  related  to  the  President  the  present  situation  of  his  moun 
tain  retreat,  and  requested  a  detachment  of  troops  to  aid  him  in  surprising 
it.  This  request  was  readily  granted,  and  Manrique  appointed  the  next 
day  for  his  expedition  to  the  Black  Forest.  He  now  left  the  President  and 
sought  out  a  noted  bandit,  who  had  formerly  been  in  his  service.  To  him 
he  entrusted  the  care  of  secret  despatches  to  Garcilazo,  and  bade  him  has 
ten  to  the  cave  with  all  possible  speed.  The  task  was  undertaken,  and  ere 
nightfall  of  the  next  day  the  courier  was  spurring  his  steed  far  away  from 
the  gates  of  the  city,  while  Manrique  with  a  detachment  of  fifty  well-mount 
ed  cavaliers  followed  slowly  in  the  same  direction. 

We  will  now  return  to  our  brave  chieftain,  Alvorado  Nurez.  On  the 
evening  preceding  Manrique's  setting  out  for  the  Black  Forest,  he  was  re 
pairing  to  the  abode  of  his  beloved  Isabella,  when,  just  as  he  was  entering 
the  court,  a  file  of  armed  soldiery  marched  up  and  arrested  him,  and  after 
securing  him  by  chains,  bore  him  away  to  the  Acordada.  In  vain  he  pro 
tested  against  this  outrage,  and  demanded  his  release  by  virtue  of  Santa 
Anna's  signet,  but  the  bauble  availed  him  nothing,  and  indignantly  he  tore 
it  from,  his  fiuger  and  crushed  it  beneath  his  feet !  He  was  cast  into  one  of 
the  low  filthy  dungeons  of  the  Acordada!  But  he'  did  not  despair!  The 
love  and  constancy  of  his  adored  Isabella,  was  enough  to  sustain  his  stout 
heart  even  within  the  filthy  and  gloomy  walls  of  the  Bastile  of  Mexico. 

Alvorado's  arrest  was  viewed  from  the  balcony  of  the  palace  by  Senor  d« 
Cascara  and  his  daughter.  When  she  beheld  him  she  so  ardently  loved  in 
the  power  of  the  prison  soldiers,  she  uttered  a  piercing  scream  and,  faint- 
ingly,  sunk  into  her  father's  arms.  Servants  were  summoned  and  restora 
tives  ordered,  and  by  proper  treatment,  she  in  a  short  time  recovered. 

'  Father  !'  cried  she,  soon  as  she  could  give  utterance  to  her  thoughts ; — 
'  What  is  to  be  done  ?  Cannot  Alvorado  be  freed  ?' 

'  Be  calm,  my  child  !  I  fear  my  influence  with  Santa  Anna  will  not  save 
him  I  And  Heaven  only  knows  how  soon  I  may  have  to  follow  Nunez  !' 

'  God  forbid  !  that  the  guiltless  shall  suffer,  and  the  guilty  go  unpunished  !* 

'They  shan't  touch  a  hair  on  his  head  1'  said  Zeb  Short,  who  was  a  wit 
ness  of  the  scene  from  the  garden,  and  had  now  hastened  to  the  balcony. 
'Jest  leave  the  hull  bizness  to  me,  and  if  1  don't  manage  it  'cordin'  to  the 
rules  o'  gunter,  1  hope  never  to  see  the  stars  and  stripes  and  Nance  Butter 
cup  agin  in  the  hull  course  o'  rny  life.' 

'  By  rny  faith,  the  American  speaks  sanguinely,' said  the  grandee;  'and 
there  is  so  much  cunnyig. in  his  honest  face,  that  1  have  much  confidence 
in  his  words.'  '•  '. 

'Jest  say  the  word,  General,  and  I'm  off  to  that  infarnal  prison  like  a 
•freak  o'  greased  lightning  !'  BftHiCfOIt  Libf**? 

'Take  this  sigtKt,'  said  Isabella,  placing  the  ring  she  had  received  from 
Santa  Anna  on  the  Yankee.  « It  may  assist  thee !'  . 


48  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS 

'  Thank  ye,  Miss  Isabel,'  replied  Zeb.  *  I  wonder  what  Nance  would  say 
could  she  see  this  pure  gol'd  ring  on  my  little  finger?  I  reckon  she'd  be  a 
leetie  jealous  if  she  knew  who  gin  it  me  !  Wall,  General,  and  Miss  Isabel, 
good  bye.  When  you  see  this  ere  child  agin,  you'll  hear  good  news,  de 
pend  on't !' 

*  You  understand  the  virtue  of  that  ring?'  said  Isabella,  enquiringly. 

*  Wall  I  guess  I  do!     I  reckon  it  once  saved  my  neck  from  a  twisting.' 
Saying  this,  the  Yankee  disappeared,  and  with  a  nimble  gait  pursued  his 

way  towards  the  prison,  in  which  Nunez  was  confined.  Arriving  at  the 
portal  he  demanded,  pompously,  in  the  name  ol  the  President,  admittance 
to  the  cell  of  Alvorado,  at  the  same  time  displaying  the  signet.  His  author 
itative  manner,  together  with  the  ring,  had  the  desired  effect,  arid  bolts  and 
bars  and  locks  yielded  before  him,  and  he  stood  in  the  presence  of  hir^  hi 
sought.  Nunez  instantly  recognised  the  Yankee,  and  knew  [him  to  be  a 
messenger  sent  from  the  Senorita. 

'  How  d'ye  do  !'  said  the  Yankee.  '  I've  come  to  set  ye  free!  Jest  you 
slip  on  these  ere  trousers,  this  ere  coat,  and  this  ere  hat,  and  this  red  wig, 
jest  the  color  o'  my  own  hair,  and  you'll  pass  by  the  guard  for  Zeb  Short 
jest  as  easy  as  I  could  dew  it  myself.'  And  Zeb  commenced  divesting  him 
self  of  an  extra  suit  which  he  had  put  on  over  his  usual  dress  for  this  par 
ticular  occasion  before  he  left  the  palace. 

'  What  means  this  ?'  demanded  Alvorado. 

1  Jump  yourself  into  this  Sunday-go-to  meeting  dress  o'  mine — and  make 
tracks  for  the  palace — the  gal's  e'en  a  most  dying  to  see  you.' 

*  What  is  to  become  of  you  ?' 

*  Zeb  Short  has  wit  enough  to  take  care  o'  himself.   I've  seen  the  inside  of 
this  tarnal  lock-up  afore !     Come,  fly  round,  there's  no  time  to  lose  !' 

*  No,  my  good  fellow,  I  will  not  save  my  life  at  the  expense  of  another's,' 
replied  Nunez.     'But  it  you  are  disposed  to  do  me  a  favor  in  another  and 
less  hazardous  way,  you  shall  be  well  paid.' 

'Name  it — I'm  up  to  any  thing  to  serve  you  and  Miss  Isabel.' 

4  It  is  to  leave  the  city  to-morrow  morning,  mounted  upon  a  fleet  steed, 
with  secret  despatches  for  my  lieutenant,  who  is  quartered  with  my  force 
in  a  cave  of  the  Orizava  mountain.' 

Til  dew  it!'  replied  Zeb,  promptly.  'Jest  point  out  the  road,  and  oth 
er  particulars,  and  fore  the  first  streak  o'  day  I'll  be  off.' 

Nunez  prepared  hit  despatches,  and  gave  the  Yankee  minute  instructions 
in  order  to  enable  him  to  find  the  cave.  Zeb  now  took  his  departure,  and 
ere  he  slept  that  night  his  arrangements  for  the  journey  were  completed. — 
According  to  his  promise,  the  next  morning,  mounted  upon  Alvorudo's 
steed,  the  Yankee  passed  the  gates  of  the  city  without  molestation,  <w*  his 
expedition  to  the  cave  of  the  bandits. 

About  sunset  on  the  following  day,  he  had  reached  the  mule  path  lead 
ing  to  the  plain  contiguous  to  the  robbers'  cave,  when  he  encountered  an 
other  horseman  who  was  pursuing  the  same  direction. 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  49 

*  Whither  bound,  caballero  ?'  demanded  the  stranger,  as  he  reined  in  his 
horse  beside  Zeb  Short. 

'  Wiiat  would  you  give  tew  know  ?'  returned  Zeb,  eyeing  the  stranger 
suspiciously,  and  observing  a  pistol  in  his  hand. 

4  Answer  me,  picaro,  or  I'll  blow  your  brains  out?' 

'Wall,  I  guess  now  there'll  be  a  pair  o'  brains  blown  out?'  said  Zeb,  as 
he  drew  forth  a  horse  pistol,  and  aimed  it  at  the  head  of  the  stranger,  who 
at  the  moment  discharged  his  pistol  at  Zeb,  the  ball  striking  the  lock  of  his 
weapon. 

'There,  Mister,  you've  e'en  a  most  spilt  my  pistol,'  continued  the  Yan 
kee,  'and  may  I  be  flabergasted  if  1  don't  make  crows  meat  on  ye.' 

Zeb  drew  a  sword  which  Nunez  had  provided  him,  while  his  antag 
onist  drew  another  pistol,  and  ere  he  succeeded  in  cocking  it,  Zeb  gave 
him  a  blow  over  the  head,  which  knocked  him  from  his  horse.  Dismount 
ing,  the  Yankee  secured  a  package  of  papers  which  had  fallen  from  the 
hat  of  his  now  senseless  foe,  and  again  bestriding  his  beast,  he  carefully 
iollowed  the  labarynthine  path  which  had  been  described  by  Nunez,  and 
succeeded  in  reaching  the  plain.  Placing  a  horn  to  his  lips,  he  blew  the 
signal  blast,  which  was  soon  answered  by  a  dozen  mounted  cavaliers,  head 
ed  by  Enrique  Canazilla,  who  appeared  suddenly  in  the  presence  of  the 
Yankee  courier.  The  cavalier  leader  rode  up  and  accosted  him,  when  he 
made  known  the  cause  of  his  mission  and  presented  his  despatches.  Zeb 
was  now  invited  to  the  hospitalities  of  the  cave,  and  with  wondering  eyes 
he  accompanied  Canazilla  through  the  subterranean  apartments,  and  en 
tering  a  private  room,  they  were  soon  in  close  conference  on  the  important 
business  before  them.  After  Canazilla  had  perused  the  despatches  from 
his  superior  officer,  Zeb  produced  a  package  addressed  to  Garcilazo,  and 
explained  the  singular  manner  by  which  they  came  into  his  possession}— 
Canazilla,  without  hesitation,  broke  the  seal  and  there  learned,  to  his 
amazement,  that  the  cave  would  be  besieged  by  government  troops,  under 
the  command  of  Manrique  himself,  who  expected  the  co-operation  of  Gar 
cilazo  and  the  brigands  from  within,  the  moment  the  castle  was  swrprised! 

Astounding  i  j  was  the  disastrous  intelligence,  Canazilla  acted  with  that 
prudence  and  discretion  which  become  more  experienced  officers.  With 
out  communicating  with  his  brothe**  officers,  he  summoned  to  the  armory 
the  two  corps;  where  he  openly  proclaimed  to  all  present  the  perfidy  of  Man 
rique  in  attempting  to  assassinate  and  afterwards  causing  the  imprisonment 
of  Don  .Jvorado;  and  that  in  accordance  with  the  terms  agreed  upon  ere 
they  set  out  for  Mexico,  this  mountain  retreat  is  forfeited  to  Colonel  Nunez 
and  his  followers,  and  to  all  who  will  now  enlist  in  his  cause. 

Many  of  the  bandits  began  to  demur,  and  on  Garcilazo's  manifesting  a  dis 
position  to  make  a  desperate  effoH*fo  regain  possession  of  the  cave,  Cana 
zilla  ordered  his  arrest,  which,  on  being  attempted,  several  of  the  brigands 
rallied  around  him,  and  a  desperate  conflict  ensued.  The  bandits  were 
soon  overpowered,  and  several,  including  Garcilazo,  were  put  in  irons,  and 


50  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

dragged  to  the  dungeons  of  the  cavern.  The  remainder  of  the  bandits 
•wore  allegiance  to  Nunez  through  Canazilla.  The  gallant  young  officer 
now  disclosed  the  startling  fact  that  a  body  of  government  troops  were  on 
their  way  from  the  capital  to  besiege  their  strong-hold,  and  bade  his  follow- 
ters  to  arm  themselves  for  the  expected  attack. 

Meanwhile,  Manrique  and  his  borrowed  force  were  slowly  climbing  the 
mountain,  and  ere  they  reached  the  nuilopath  the  night  was  nearly  spent, 
and  the  full  moon  which  had  lighted  them  on  their  way  was  now  declining 
towards  the  western  horizon.  Here  they  halted  to  refresh  themselves  from 
the  weariness  of  their  rapid  journey  from  the  capital, and  to  prepare  them 
selves  for  the  assault,  which  Manriqne  determined  to  make  before  day 
break.  The  groans  of  some  one  in  distress  now  fell  upon  the  ears  of  the 
troop,  and  the  figure  of  a  man,  crawling  upon  his  hands  and  knees  issued 
from  the  thicket. 

4  El  Demonic !'  exclaimed  JVlanrique.  '  It  is  my  bearer  of  despatches  ! 
Roberto  Valdes.  how's  this  ?' 

The  wounded  man,  in  feeble  tones,  related  the  encounter  which  we  have 
described,  but  could  give  no  information  as  to  who  his  victorious  antagonist 
was. 

'By  San  Pedro!  I  like  not  this!  Garcilazo  by  this  unfortunate  occur 
rence  is  unapprised  of  our  intentions.  Nevertheless,  brave  comrades,  we 
may  rely  upon  his  co-operation  when  he  hears  the  sound  ot  his  chieftain's 
clarion !' 

The  troops  were  once  more  in  their  saddles,  moving  onward  towards  the 
cave ;  and  as  they  cautiously  emerged  from  the  thick  wood  into  the  plain, 
they  were  suddenly  thrown  into  confusion  by  a  volley  of  musquetry,  from 
CanaztHa's  force,  which  laid  in  ambush  but  a  few  rods  distant!  In  another 
moment,  ere  Manrique  could  rally  his  troop,  Canazilla  ordered  his  men  to 
charge.  They  were  met  in  the  open  space  by  Manrique  and  his  now 
scattered  force,  and  desperate  and  bloody  was  the  conflict!  The  thought 
of  being  defeated  where  he  anticipated  an  easy  victory,  maddened  him,  and 
like  a  chafed  lion,  he  rushed  amid  the  thickest  of  his  foes  and  dealt  his 
blows  with  a  desperate  fury  !  Finding  himself  fighting  almost  alone,  hia 
troops  having  either  been  cut  down  or  having  fled,  he  thrust  the  rowels  of 
his  spurs  deep  into  his  horse,  and  ere  his  flight  could  be  arrested,  he  suc 
ceeded  in  reaching  a  secret  path  of  the  wood,  by  which  he  almost  miracu 
lously  made  his  escape. 

Nearly  the  whole  detachment  fell  in  the  conflict,  and  Manrique,  stung 
with  mortification  and  disappointment,  reached  the  citadel  of  Mexico,  a*s- 
•ompanied  by  the  miserable  remnant  of  his  detachment,  consis  ing  of  not 
more  than  eight  or  ten  men,  part  of  whom  were  sorely  wounded! 


THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  51 


CHAPTER  IX. 

CONCLUSION. 

A  month  had  now  elapsed  since  the  occurrences,  briefly  narrated  in  the 
last  chapter,  bad  transpired.     Santa  Anna  had  carried  his  threat  in  regard 
to  General  Cascara  into  execution — he  was  a  prisoner  of  the  Acordada  ! 
and  with  Alvorado  Nunez  had  been  condemned  to  die  upon  the  garotte,  on 
the  charge  of  high  treason !     The  day  appoirited  for  their  execution  was 
near  at  hand,  and  no  hope  seemed  remaining  for  them!     Vainly,  upon  her 
knees,  before  the  relentless  Santa  Anna,  did  the  beauteous  Isabella  sue  for 
the  pardon  of  her  father  and  lover!     Vainly  did  she  implore  of  the  vindic 
tive  Maurique  to  exercise  his  influence  with  the  despot!     He  answered  her 
pleadings  only  by  demanding  her  hand  as  the  price  of  becoming  her  inter 
cessor  !     She  asked  for  permission  to  visit  her  father  in  his  cell,  but  the  ty 
rant's  inhumanity  forbade  her  even  this!      In  despair  and  almost  broken 
hearted  she  returned  to  her  lone  home,  and  in  the  seclusionjof  her  closet, 
offered  fervent  petitions  to  her  Heavenly  Father  in  behalf  of  the  guiltless 
prisoners ! 

The  day  of  the  execution  dawned  !  The  sun  arose  in  glorious  majesty, 
as  if  to  sanction  the  deadly  mandate  of  the  usurper,  and  to  mock  the  hearts 
of  those  who  were  on  that  day  condemned  to  death !  The  place  of  execu 
tion  was  early  thronged  with  the  curious  multitude  to  behold  the  noble 
Cascara  and  brave  Nunez  die  ! 

In  a  neighboring  square  was  another  concourse  of  people  attracted  thith 
er  by  a  very  different  motive,  and  among  the  number  were  conspicuous  San 
ta  Anna  and  his  suite,  in  their  glittering  uniforms  and  mounted  upon  their 
superbly  caparisoned  chargers.  The  square  was  occupied  as  a  mart  for  the 
sale  of  horses,  and  on  the  evening  previous  a  caravan,  consisting  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty,  with  their  owners  and  grooms,  arrived  in  the  capital, 
purporting  to  have  come  from  Santa  Fe.  Their  extreme  value  and  beauty 
commanded  the  attention  of  the  President,  whose  love  for  horses  is  well 
known  to  Mexicans.  He  selected  a  stud  of  twenty-five ;  but  the  exorbi 
tant  price  demanded  for  them,  was  too  much  even  for  the  rich  Santa  Anna. 
Finding  the  horse-dealers  inflexible,  he  declined  purchasing,  and  took  his 
departure. 

The  great  bell  of  the  cathedral  now  slowly  pealed  forth  its  mournful 
sounds,  as  the  procession  of  the  condemned  left  the  gloomy  walls  of  the 
Acordada,  and  pifcdeeded  towards  Plazuela  de  la  Cebada.  The  entire  avail- 

4 


.,2  THK  RIVAL  i;iNKJ<TAI\,- 

al>le  foive  (»!'  the  citadel  acted  as  escort  to  the  noblo  prisoners.  Side  by 
{siile  walked  the  veteran  Cascara.  and  the  youthful  Nunez!  and  in  their  rear 
the  holy  lathers  of  the  monastery  of  San  Francisco.  On  nrrivin;.1  at  the 
Place  of  Execution,  the  prisoners  ascended  the  scaffold  with  u  firm  step! 
The  priests  had  commenced  the  last  duties  of  their  office,  when  they  were 
interrupted  by  the  piercing  screams  of  a  female  who  suddenly  appeared  up 
on  the  scaffold,  arrayed  in  a  pure  garb  of  white,  with  her  dark  glossy  hair 
straying  wildly  over  her  neck  and  shoulders.  It  was  Isabella  do  Cascara! 
This  was  tiie  second  time  the  multitude  had  beheld  her  upon  that  scaffold! 
Firmly  did  she  cling  about  her  father's  neck,  uttering  wild  and  despairing 
shrieks !  Vainly  did  the  executioner  attempt  to  separate  them !  Meanwhile 
miirniurings  from  the  populace,  excited  by  sympathetic  emotions,  were 
distinctly  heard.  At  length,  through  the  aid  of  several  of  the  guard,  the 
daughter  by  force  was  dragged  fom  her  father's  embrace  !  She  uttered  a 
'heart-rending  groan  and  fell,  faintingly,  upon  the  scaffold ! 

The  fatal  machine  was  in  readiness!  The  holy  fathers  were  taking  their 
final  leave  of  the  prisoners  !  All  for  a  moment  changed  into  a  death-like 
stillness!  when  suddenly  a  large  body  of  horsemen  rushed  into  the  square, 
and  charged  through  the  large  force  of  armed  soldiery  which  guarded  the 
scaffold,  filling  the  air  with  clamorous  shouts  of— 'To  the  rescue  !  To  the 
rescue!  Viva  Cascara!  Viva  Nunez!  Down  with  Santa  Anna!  Death 
to  the  usurper !' 

It  was  but  the  work  of  a  moment!  The  guards  were  beaten  down!  The 
prisoners  rescued  !  Two  noble  steeds  were  led  to  the  foot  of  the  scaffold, 
which  were  quickly  mounted  by  the  rescued  prisoners !  Swords  were 
placed  in  their  hands,  and  caps  with  plumes  upon  their  heads !  Meanwhile  a 
fierce  conflict  commenced  between  the  government  force  and  the  insurgents! 
the  populace  excited  by  sympathy  and  love  for  the  veteran  grandee,  armed 
themselves  with  whatever  weapons  they  could  lay  their  hands  upon,  and 
seconded  the  rebellion !  With  Cascara  and  Nunez  to  lead  them  on,  they 
bravely  battled  with  the  regulars,  who  were  at  length  forced  to  retreat  from 
the  square.  Santa  Anna,  in  p>erson,  with  the  palace  guards,  now  came  to 
the  aid  of  the  retreating  force,  and  for  a  time  they  sustained  their  position ! 
Nunez  appeared  wherever  the  conflict  raged  most  severe.  Although  some 
what  enfeebled  by  his  imprisonment,  yet  he  seemed  inspired  with  a  new 
impulse  that  gave  to  his  frame  ah  almost  supernatural  power!  His  im 
petuosity  was  irresistible  and  his  path  was  marked  by  the  dead  and  the  dy 
ing  !  Arnid  the  conflict  he  espied  the  dark-looking  form  of  the  Brigand 
Chief,  dealing  deadly  blows  among  the  defenceless  of  the  populace.  In  a 
moment  he  confronted  him,  exclaiming: 

*  Monster !  thy  time  has  come  !' 

The  bloody  Manr'ujue  attempted  to  avoid  him  ;  but  the  lion  was  too  near 
liis  prey  !  With  one  well-directed  blow  of  his  powerful  arm,  the  merciless 
desperado  fell  lifeless  from  his  horse! 

The  battle  still  raged  and  through  square  after  squar^  the  minions  of 


T11E  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS.  53 

Santa  Anna  retreated  before  the  now  resistless  conquerors  !  Finding  still 
further  effort  useless,  the  usurper  with  a  remnant  of  his  troops  turned  and 
fled  from  the  capital ! 

Tho  city  being  now  in  the  hands  of  the  insurgents,  order  was  again  res 
tored.  The  news  of  their  success,  like  wildfire,  spread  throughput  the 
Republic !  The  standard  of  rebellion  was  raised,  and  ultimately  a  com 
plete  revolution  was  effected  ! 

Having  now  completed  the  bloody  scenes  of  our  '  Romance'  (and  we  trust 
our  kind  and  patient  readers  will  believe  it  is  meant  for  '  nothin'  else')  we 
will  now  render  a  few  of  its  seeming  improbabilities  and  inconsistencies 
more  intelligible  to  those  who  have  accompanied  us  through  our  task. 

The'  Sante  Fe  horse  dealers,  whom  we  alluded  to  in  the  commencement 
of  this  chapter,  were  none  others  than  the  brave  cavaliers  of  Alvorado  Nu 
nez,  under  the  command  of  the  youthful  but  gallant  Enrique  Canazilla,  who 
had  entered  the  gates  of  the  capital  so  completely  disguised  that  they  cau 
sed  not  the  slightest  suspicion.  Communicating  with  many  known  enemies 
of  Santa  Anna,  Canazilla  had  secured  the  aid  of  a  force  nearly  equalling 
that  of  the  goveinment's!  It  was  first  proposed  to  attack  the  Acordada 
early  on  the  morning  of  the  day  appointed  for  the  execution,  but  their  judi 
cious  leader,  deeming  that  their  success  depended  almost  entirely  upon  the 
minds  of  the  mass  of  the  populace,  and  knowing  that  their  sympathies 
might  be  excited  on  beholding  the  noble  Cascara,  who  was  so  much  beloved 
by  them,  standing  upon  the  scaffold,  resolved  to  make  the  attack  soon  as  the 
pre-concerted  signal  was  given,  that  the  executioner  was  preparing  to  per 
form  his  sanguinary  task. 

Soon  as  the  prisoners  were  rescued  the  indefatigable  Zeb  Short  made  his 
appearance  again  beside  the  infernal  machine!  With  one  blow  of  an  axe, 
which  he  had  secured  for  the  purpose,  the*  deadly  instrument  fell  to  the 
ground,  amid  a  shout  of  exultation  from  the  populace  !  Zeb  now  gave  three 
cheers — half  Yankee  and  half  Mexican — which  met  with  another  hearty 
response  from  the  multitude  !  Lifting  the  partially  revived  Isabella  in  his 
left  arm,  and  throwing  the  axe  over  his  right  shoulder,  he  descended  tri 
umphantly  from  the  scaffold,  and  bore  the  beauteous  maiden  safely  through 
scenes  of  deadly  strife  to  the  palace  of  her  father.  She  had  now  completely 
revived,  and  from  the  balcony  she  beheld  the  tyrant's  force  flying  from  the 
city ! 

Soon  as  the  strife  was  over,  Cascara  and  Nunez  proceeded  towards  the 
palace,  escorted  by  Canazilla  and  his  force,  and  followed  by  the  multitude 
who  rent  the  air  with  shouts  of  exultation !  The  lovely  Isabella  came  forth 
to  meet  her  victorious  father  and  lover,  and  embraced  them  warmly. 

'Did'nt  I  tell  ye,  Gineral,  that  when  you  sot  eyes  agin  on  this  ere  child, 
you'd  be  as  happy  as  a  militia  cap'in  at  a  gineral  muster  ?'  ejaculated  Zeb 
Short,  soon  as  they  had  entered  the  grand  saloon.  '  I  know'd  it  all  the  time. 
There  was  no  use  o'  takin  on.' 


54  THE  RIVAL  CHIEFTAINS. 

'By 'my  faith!'  replied  the  General,  seizing  Zeb  by  the  hand.  'This  is 
our  American  friend  !  To  him  we  owe  our  lives  !' 

*  And  the  great  victory  we  have  this  day  achieved  !'  added  Enrique  Cana- 
zilla.  *  His  wise  counsel,  throughout  this  expedition,  I  have  strenuously  ad 
hered  to!' 

'  By  San  Cristobal !'  exclaimed  Alvorado.  *  He  is  the  prince  of  schemers  ! 
With  such  an  one,  I  would  undertake  the  conquest  of  a  nation  !' 

'  For  his  gallantry,  I  have  one  word  to  say,'  replied  Isabella,  with  a  faint 
blush  upon  her  fair  cheek.  *  He  bore  me  in  his  arms  from  the  Plaza  to  the 
palace!' 

'  And  I'd  dew  the  came  thing  agin  under  the  particular  circumstances  of 
the  case!  Thct'sthe  way  we  dew  up  things  in  the  land  o'  steady  habits. — 
Now,  Gineral,  if  you  have  got  any  bizncss  for  this  ere  child,  I'll  dew  it  as 
cheap  as  any  other  live  Yankee!  I  shan't  charge  but  seven-and-six  a  day, 
vittles  and  lodging  included !  I  come  out  hero  to  make  a  spec  and  I'll  be 
darn'd  if  I  don't  dew  it !' 

4  You  shall  be  amply  provided  for,'  replied  Cascara. 


In  Jess  than  one  year  after  the  triumph  of  the  insurgents  in  the  capi 
tal  of  Mexico,  the  complete  Revolution  of  the  Republic  was  efl'ei'ted.— •• 
Santa  Anna,  was  captured  in  attempting  to  escape,  and  now  awaits  his 
trial  in  one  of  the  dungeons  of  the  prison  at  Perole. 

Our  hero,  Don  Alvorado  Nunez,  espoused  the  beauteous  Isabella  but 
a  few  months  since,  and  he  novr  holds  a  high  oiticc  in  the  new  govern 
ment.  His  father-in-law  and  his  brave  lieutenant,  Enrique  Cauazilla,  also 
hold  responsible  stations. 

Zeb  Short  is  still  in  Mexico!  The  General  kept  his  promise,  and  he  is 
now  the  richest  and  happiest  Yankee  in  the  Republic!  Whether  he  luus 
relinquished  his  intention  of  investing  Miss  Nancy  Buttercup  with  the  short 
er  and  less  euphonious  appellation  of  Mrs.  Zeb  Short,  or  bestow  it  upon 
some  black-eyed  Senorita  of  the  capital,  we  are  unable  to  inform  our  read 
ers! 

In  conclusion,  we  would  state  that  a  valuable  tiara  of  diamonds  was 
found  among  the  valuables  at  the  government  palace,  which  was  identified 
by  the  grandee  and  his  daughter,  as  the  one  that  had  been  taken  by  the  ban 
dits  from  the  Senora  de  Cascara,  and  also  recognized  by  Nunez  to  be  the 
same  he  had  seen  in  the  Brigands'  Cave.  The  treasures  of  this  remarkable 
grotto  were  removed  by  Canazillu  to  the  capital  soon  after  the  flight  of 
Santo.  Anna,  and  placed  in  possession  of  the  new  government. 

Our  tale  is  now  complete.     1'atient  reader,  au  revoir ! 


